Instructional misconceptions of Turkish prospective chemistry teachers about atomic orbitals and hybridization

Abstract

The research described in this paper is an investigation into the conceptions held about atomic orbitals, hybridization and related concepts by prospective chemistry teachers. The research was carried out with the participation of a total of 167 undergraduate students from two faculties of Balikesir University in Turkey. The subjects completed a diagnostic test by responding, in writing, to open-ended and multiple-choice questions about atomic orbitals and hybridization. Studentsí responses and explanations were analysed, and response categories were established. The results indicated that students in the field of chemistry had some misconceptions about atomic orbitals, hybridization and some other concepts related to hybridization. The atomic orbital concept is one of the most important pre-requisite concepts in learning about hybridization. The effects of understanding the atomic orbital concept in learning about hybridization were also investigated. Finally, some suggestions were made for a more effective teaching approach to ensure better learning of the topic.