Enhancing conceptual understanding in chemistry: the role of laboratory practices for CFS IIUM students

Enhancing Conceptual Understanding in Chemistry: The Role of Laboratory Practices for CFS IIUM Students Nur Diyana1*, Mohd Haswaneezal2, Suhaili Husain3 1,2,3Department of Chemistry, Centre for Foundation Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia *Corresponding author’s email: [email protected] Abstract. Students often fail to develop deep understanding of the subjects that they study, which is important for their academic success. This lack of understanding is a significant barrier to their performance in study. Consequently, students struggle to see the relevance of what they learn and are unable to apply their knowledge. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate how laboratories enhance conceptual understanding through laboratories practice. It shows that how hands-on laboratory experiences support the student’s understanding of concepts that taught by the lecturers. This study implements a mixed methodological approach that includes pre-laboratory questions before students conduct experiments and post-laboratory questions afterward. Furthermore, it incorporates data from student’s qualitative insights gathered from questionnaires survey (ten questions before conducting the experiment and ten questions after conducting the experiment). Purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 104 students (CFS IIUM) who are taking Chemistry II (CHL0325) in semester 3, 2023/2024. Findings of the studies showed that students who engage in laboratory experiments demonstrate improvement in understanding topic increased by 38 %. The mean value of student’s interest and better understanding in the topic after conducting the experiments was significant difference (p<0.001) compared to before students hands-on the experiments. This study’s finding is important to help to improve student’s understanding, engagement as well as motivation in learning, with 97 % of the student’s shows positive feedback with how conducting the experiments enhances their understanding.