Development of Co-Curriculum Activity to Enhance Student Learning in Fundamental Chemistry

Abstract

This research aimed to develop co-curriculum activity to enhance student learning in solution concentration and solution dilution for undergraduate chemistry study. The research used one- group pretest-posttest design. The participants were freshmen (n=77) and sophomores (n=81) of a public university. The students were divided into two groups based on their knowledge background according to the pre-test results. The results of single test item normalized gain and single student normalized gain indicated that students had better improvement in understanding-level questions than application and analysis questions. However, students had confusion over the concepts of solution concentration which resulted in knowledge application. Based on students’ reflections towards elements of this activity that effectively promote fundamental chemistry learning, most of the students in high-learning-difficulty group needed the involvement in science experiment and hands-on activities while most students with the moderate background in fundamental chemistry favored for peer learning.