Learning Science and Mathematics (LSM) Journal Vol.1, Issue 16, pp 1-20
College Students’ Attitude, Laboratory Work with Science Writing Heuristic and Conceptual Knowledge towards Achievement: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Sheila Shamuganathan
Received first draft 15 January 2021.Received reports from first reviewer (27 April); second reviewer 4 June). Received revised draft 25 November.
Accepted: 30 November 2021.
Published: 30 December 2021.
Abstract
In this study, the achievement of Malaysian pre-university students enrolled in a Matriculation institution was attempted to be modelled. It is critical for students to succeed in college-level chemistry classes in order to upgrade to more advanced science courses and pursue science-related occupations. The goal of this study is to use Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to create a structural model for Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) that best represents the relationships between attitude, conceptual knowledge, and laboratory work with SWH in chemistry achievement, and to see what percentage of variance in chemistry achievement can be explained by these variables. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from 171 students (72 males and 99 females) for this study, which was then analysed using a covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) approach. In this study, a survey with a single sample design was used. The results show that employing a SEM model with all three predictors may explain 34% of the variance in chemistry achievement. Furthermore, research demonstrates that both genders' achievement in chemistry is influenced by their attitude, laboratory work with SWH, and conceptual understanding. On the other end, while attitude alone does not improve achievement, mediating laboratory work with a SWH strategy that addresses misconceptions can have an impact on chemical achievement. These data suggest that those who have a strong interest in chemistry, have good conceptual knowledge, and conduct laboratory work with SWH have a better chance of performing well in chemistry. To increase their chemistry accomplishment, matriculation colleges should incorporate certain desirable positive attitudes, laboratory work with SWH technique, and conceptual understanding into the mainstream of instruction. This research contributes in one of the area of the SEAMEO’s seven priority areas in where the science education researchers have been continuously conducting the research to find effective ways with the aim of helping students. Since the academic achievement is one of the outputs of the science education, teaching strategies that promote achievement have an important place in research area. This is at par with the philosophy of Learning Science and Mathematics where learning in laboratory need to be embedded with fun and more meaningful way.
Keywords: Conceptual knowledge; Attitude; Laboratory work with SWH; Covariance Based Structural Equation Modeling
© 2021 SEAMEO RECSAM LSM Journal
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