Factors influencing UAE high school chemistry students’ learning of organic qualitative analysis

Chemistry is one of the five science subfields typically covered in secondary schools in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Chemistry is a branch of science that studies substances’ characteristics, components, and structures. Numerous subfields fall under the umbrella of chemistry, including inorganic, organic, analytical, and physical chemistry. One of the topics covered in chemistry classes is the analysis of chemical compounds, which is divided into two types: quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis. While qualitative analysis determines the kind of each element or group present in a given solution sample, quantitative analysis determines the quantity of each element or group present. The research explores responsible factors impacting 12<sup>th</sup> grade Emirati student’s understanding of the organic qualitative analysis in chemistry, acknowledging the critical challenges highlighted within international tests such as PISA and trends in international mathematics and science study results. Deploying qualitative method approach with respondents from an international private school–the research relied on participants’ interviews, classroom observations and document analysis to collect the needed data. The research advocated for a shift to practical based teaching methods, providing insights for the educators and policy makers, contributing to global educational excellence.