Introducing metal-ligand geometries through science writing heuristics and modelling and modelling skills in higher education

This study investigated the efficacy of using Science Writing Heuristics (SWH) and Modelling and Modelling Skills (MMS) by students to predict the geometries of metal complexes. A case study design within the Model of Educational Reconstruction approach was used. The accessible population were all third-year chemistry students in the University of Education, Winneba (UEW)-Ghana with sample size of twenty-nine (29) students. The study involved students in a class of 5 groups, comprising 5-6 students each over eleven-week period. The findings among others, showed that students were able to understand, use and draw metal isomeric structures correctly because they were aided by the interventional strategies (SWH & MMS) adopted during the study.

Keywords: Educational reconstruction, efficacy, heuristics, modelling skills