Chemistry Education

Chemistry education (or chemical education) is a comprehensive term that refers to the study of the teaching and learning of chemistry in all schools, colleges and universities. Topics in chemistry education might include understanding how students learn chemistry, how best to teach chemistry, and how to improve learning outcomes by changing teaching methods and appropriate training of chemistry instructors, within many modes, including classroom lecture, demonstrations, and laboratory activities. There is a constant need to update the skills of teachers engaged in teaching chemistry, and so chemistry education speaks to this need.

Friday, 10 May 2013

JOURNAL REFLECTION: WEEK 12


ONLINE RESOURCES

Check out our online resource Facebook Page that were created by our group :)
https://www.facebook.com/ChemistryWorldRateOfReaction?ref=hl


Wednesday, 8 May 2013

OXYGEN :)


JOURNAL REFLECTION: WEEK 11


JOURNAL REFLECTION: WEEK 10


WEEK 10: 27/04/2013
We learned Microsoft Excel today. Besides  the normal function of Excel which is to key in data systematically, we were taught how to organize data and apply calculations. This will help us in measuring students’ achievements in examinations or quiz. We are able to type as large data as we want, and calculations can be simplified by using certain equations. This class was a little confusing for me. I hope this lesson on Excel will be conducted again.

JOURNAL REFLECTION: WEEK 9


JOURNAL REFLECTION: WEEK 8


WEEK 8: 13/04/2013
As planned, we learned two more softwares today which are Preezi and Advanced Microsoft PowerPoint. Both of these softwares can be used to enhance our presentations. Normal presentations maybe too conventional and boring which indirectly hinders focus and attention from students. As an educator, we can use both these softwares to create an interactive presentation. Personally I have used Preezi in creating multimedia module as you can view in the link below.


Preezi contains customized presentations where we just have to add the details we want.

Advanced Microsoft PowerPoint allows us to apply features to its extent such as creating puzzles and many more. However , lesson on Advance Microsoft PowerPoint was really confusing for me and I was unable to follow the lesson.

JOURNAL REFLECTION: WEEK 7


Week 7: 16/04/2013

The seventh lecture was an exposure to two new software which is Microsoft Office OneNote and Window Movie Maker. Microsoft Office OneNote is a software that helps us to organize, search, gather and share our notes.



Microsoft OneNote can be used as an electronic notebook where we can jot down all our words with special features as below:

ü  Write any word/pictures/table and able to draw and write using available pen tools.
ü  Calculator can be used
ü  Copy text from pictures
ü  Send our notes in OneNote to PDF or Microsoft Word
ü  Insert files and copy any materials from our documents or internet with the location addressed
ü  Add audio, video, screen clipping and hyperlink directly
ü  The software has password protection

The next software that we learned is Window Movie Maker that enables us to create home movies and slide shows, complete with professional looking titles, transitions, effects, music and even narrations.

This class involved active participation from all of us. I feel proud of my lecturer and my coursemates because they really involve and cooperate in this class. They are so generous in sharing knowledge and helping each other.

JOURNAL REFLECTION: WEEK 6


WEEK 6: 30/03/2013
This was the sixth lecture for this course. Today was my presentation day on Microsoft Publisher. Nowadays, teachers are using different and interesting methods in approaching students.  Microsoft Publisher is software that can be used in creating flyers, calendars, brochures, posters and many more which can be used in schools to convey information regarding workshops, events, meetings and other important matters related to the schools.

Basically , Microsoft Publisher provides templates for the flyers , calendars and many more which makes us easy to prepare them. With the template provided, we just have to alter the font, colour, cliparts or images according to our preference.  Below is the flyer that I have created to promote my blog.



After learning Microsoft Publisher, we learned  ChemSketch. This is one of  the software that  is really beneficial and significant in chemistry education. There are few essential things that can be done by using this software such as:
  • Drawing chemical structure in two or three dimensional. We are able to view the structure from different angle
  • We are able to draw  laboratory equipment  and prepare diagrams for experiments.
  • We are able to name the structures based on the molecule drawings.


During this lesson, there are few things we learned in ChemSketch:
  • ·         Drawing simple molecules, naming organic structure, 3D view and Lewis structure.
  • ·         Drawing chemical formulas, ions and chemical equations.
  • ·         Inserting headers and footers, forming lab manual using lab kits and converting it to PDF.
  • ·   Drawing endothermic and exothermic reaction diagram, drawing 3D orbitals and drawing hybrid orbitals.

There was some installation error of the software which made me difficult to utilize all the features. I  was required to re install the software. Overall , this was a great lesson as I was introduced softwares that will definitely  be useful in my education career in the future.

Tuesday, 7 May 2013

JOURNAL REFLECTION: WEEK 5


WEEK 5 : 23/03/2013
This lesson was really fun. We learned a new software called Picasa. Picasa is software that enables photo editing, collage and poster creation and also allows us to create video of photos. Picasa version 3.0 was used.

If we see the diagram above, Picasa is easily used. This is because all the photos are organized according to folders.

There are many features in Picasa from cropping, light effects to numerous filters. This is my photo before and after editing by Picasa.

There are many effects available to enhance our photos.Video can also be created from the piles of photo we have. Moreover , we can use this software in editing some photos or make videos to present in our class.

JOURNAL REFLECTION: WEEK 4




WEEK 4: 16/03/2013
As promised, today lecture was on creating Blog and drop down menu. I have created my own blog. The next was to create the drop down menu. Drop down menu was created according to the steps below:
1.      Webpage with the link as http://pixopoint.com/products/suckerfish_css/ was browsed. This webpage provides us the opportunity to customize our blog according to our preference. I was able to choose my own fonts, colours, backgrounds and layouts. After that, the “SUBMIT DESIGN” icon was clicked. After that, I was able to preview the complete layout of my blog together with the CSS code for the layout.

2.      Next, in my blogger page, I clicked on “template”, then “layout” and finally, “edit HTML”. Next I clicked “Ctrl & F” simultaneously, and typed the code “]]></b:skin>”. Next . I paste the CSS code and saved the template. I typed “Ctrl & F ” simultaneously and typed the code “/*Tabs” and deleted the content within the range. Then , the template was saved. The code that was obtained  from this link http://faialnasir88.blogspot.com was pasted in the “Window HTML”. The term “sub link” is the drop down menu.

3.      The code #suckerfishnav li: hover, #suckerfishnav li.hover{position : static;} was typed at the template designer , the advance section. Some of the codes will be typed in respective positions to ensure the layout and drop down menu is complete.

4.      The drop down menu was created.

There was some error in creating the drop down menu. My blog does not show any accurate drop down menu. Hence, I re-start creating the drop down menu, and ensured all the coding was done accurately.  Lastly , the drop down menu was created . I would really appreciate my coursemates help especially Group 1 for helping me in creating my blog.

JOURNAL REFLECTION : WEEK 3


WEEK 3: 09/03/2013

Due to internet access problem and technical errors of computers, I brought my own laptop and broadband. Today the first group taught us on creating Blog. Since we all have created our own Google account, we were able to access Blogger. From that, we were taught how to create our own blog. The main focus of this class was to create drop down menu. Group 1 consisted of Mohd Faizal, Helmi, Thanabalan and DuraiRaj. They were very helpful as most of us have the difficulty in understanding the creating drop down menu. Personally, the coding and editing HTML was really confusing for me. This is the first time I am doing this drop down menu and I find it very difficult. My coursemates were guiding each other in the creating process. However, due to slow internet connection, the situation was very disappointing. I was able to create the blog, but fail to create the drop down menu. Three hours of lesson was not sufficient for me to create the drop down menu. Hence, the lesson on Blog was postponed to the next class.


JOURNAL REFLECTION: WEEK 2


WEEK 2: 02/03/2013
 Today was the second lecture of this course. Before the lecture was conducted, all of us were required to choose our own group members for our assignment purposes. My group members consist of four members including myself as below:

v  Teoh Jyh Jing
v  Mathavan A/L Murugesan
v  Fatihah Said
My group members are very helpful and very committed in completing our assignments. I was very grateful to them for being so understanding and dedicated in their task given.

            After group members were chosen, the lecture was continued. Today, we learned about a very beneficial website that can be utilized in our educational lessons called Khan Academy. After exposing to its benefits and strength of the website, I downloaded the access in my computer.





          If we take look at the diagrams above, we can see that the Khan Academy website contains numerous videos from different fields to help one in understanding certain concepts or knowledge. From this website, we have the opportunity to access multi knowledge. Khan Academy functions as a great platform for one to gain many exposures on knowledge and many other essential facts or information. Moreover, as an educator we can utilize this website in our lesson to introduce new knowledge to our students. If students are facing difficulties in understanding certain abstract concepts, we can use this to help them in better understanding. All the videos are organized systematically; therefore we can have an ease of access.
           Besides learning on Khan Academy, all of us were required to conduct peer teaching throughout the course. Each group were assigned on different software that will be presented every class respectively. The peer teaching conducted will be on this software as outlined below:
ü  BlogSpot
ü Cam studio
ü Picasa
ü Microsoft publisher
ü Chemsketch
ü One note
ü Movie maker
ü  PowerPoint presentation
ü Preezi
ü Excel
All this software can be applied in our daily school lessons to make a more interactive and conducive learning environment. I find this lecture very beneficial as it helped me in knowing different softwares and websites that can be used in teaching rather than just using the conventional way. However, today we were still unable to use the computers as there are some computers were not functioning. This hindered us from involving actively in the lesson as we were busy trying to get computer access.

JOURNAL REFLECTION: WEEK 1


Journal Reflection
I would like to express my views and opinions on this course (SKP6024: Technology and Innovation in Teaching and Learning Chemistry). This class has given the opportunity for me to explore many new things and knowledge. Hence, I would like to share all my thought, opinions and suggestions for this class. Before I begin my reflection on this class, I would like to show a big gratitude towards my lecturer, Cik Asmayati and my fellow course mates for being so united in sharing and providing knowledge and help to each other.

WEEK 1: 23/02/2013

Beginning of the class was confusing for me as I was unable to access to the computers available due to technical errors. In my opinion, I think this course is a very good approach as it is an exposure to technology and innovation methods in the education field. Everything in this world is partially dominated by technology application. Hence, by providing us the knowledge and experience in this course, we will be able to teach our students in a creative and innovative way. We will be equipped with many ICT skills and will be exposed to numerous tools in teaching chemistry. This is a 100% assessment course and no final exam is involved. This will eventually teach us hands on experience and strengthen our knowledge in this field.

During the first lecture, I created Google account and I learned its numerous features. Google account is very effective and beneficial. Google Drive enables one to save important files in a secured mode. Sharing documents and preparation of survey forms can also be done. The only thing that I feel that can be improved is the computers condition. Some of the students were unable to follow the lesson as some of the computers were not functioning. This made some of the students lost track of the lesson as they were unable to follow the lesson while trying to fix the computer problems.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT


                                                   CAREER DEVELOPMENT

I have graduated in Bachelor of Science majoring Analytical and Environmental Chemistry. My actual job prospects are at the laboratory. However a short period of experience has changed my thoughts about my future. While waiting for my graduation day, I applied for temporary teacher job called GSTT (Guru Sandaran Tidak Terlatih) and I was offered to teach Form 1 and Form 2 students. I thought English subject. This is the experience that has diverted my mind about my future. I realized that the career that I want lifelong is teacher. Teaching is my passion. I find complete satisfaction and deep thoughts about teaching. I love to share knowledge to my students and ensure them to have deep and good understanding on their subjects. I am grateful that behind every success of a student, I will be part of it. I would love to contribute to their life.
Teaching has become my passion. Hence , I have planned to work hard and try my best to get a job as a teacher. Since I do not have an education background as my degree was in pure science, I decided to enrol for master studies. After deep consideration and survey, I applied for Master of Education in Chemistry Studies as I love to teach and learn chemistry. After I complete my master studies, I would like to apply for teacher job in government schools. I would like to expand my career in the school and do my best. Now, I am trying to gain as much experience of teaching as possible. Hence , I am applying job in tuition centres and institutions to polish up my teaching and communication skills. I have decided that after ten years of working, I would like to pursue my doctorate studies in Chemistry Education. Moreover , I would like to come up with innovative and creative method of teaching chemistry. My aim is to contribute as many concrete and significant ideas for chemistry studies.
This is my career development!! J

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY


THE NATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Our nation, Malaysia, is dedicated to achieving a greater unity of all her People; maintaining a democratic way of life; creating a just society in which the wealth of the nation shall be equitably shared; ensuring a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural traditions; building a progressive society which shall be oriented towards modern science and technology. We, the people of Malaysia, pledge our united efforts to attain these ends guided by the following principles:
Belief in god
Loyalty to king and country
Supremacy of the constitution
Rule of law
Good behaviour and morality

NATIONAL PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Education in Malaysia is an on-going effort towards developing the potential of individuals in a holistic and integrated manner, so as to produce individuals who are intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically balanced and harmonious based on a firm belief in and devotion to God. Such an effort is designed to produce Malaysian citizens who are knowledgeable and competent, who possess high moral standards and who are responsible and capable of achieving a high level of personal well-being as well as being able to contribute to the harmony and betterment of the family, society and the nation at large.


NATIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

In consonance with the National Education Philosophy, science education in Malaysia nurtures a Science and Technology Culture by focusing on the development of individuals who are competitive, dynamic, robust and resilient and able to master scientific knowledge and technological competency.

MY PHILOSOPHY

My teaching philosophy follows simple concepts.As my journey begins as a teacher, I would instil some crucial philosophy in my heart in order to shine as a great teacher. My teaching philosophy will always be projected as below:

ü I must always be in complete understanding on what I am teaching. When I am in complete understanding, I will be able to convey the best to my students.
ü I must always be passionate and progress in my career, which will make me a teacher who is able to inspire others.
ü I must always be resourceful and knowledgeable to help my students.
ü I must be always positive minded to induce a conducive learning environment.
ü I must always respect my students’ difference and capability level and come with a solution that will fit all of them.
ü I must always provide opportunity to my students to discover knowledge and voice out their thoughts and suggestions.
ü  I must always involve active participation with my students to create a strong bond between us.
ü I must always encourage my students to explore beyond the boundary and strive for their success.
ü I must always be prepared in teaching my students regardless the situation or difficulty.
ü I must always be dedicated, knowledgeable, have good relationship with students and give a good service to the nations’s development.


-I want to inspire my students-
“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instil a love of learning. 

MY BIODATA :)


BIODATA

Hi everyone!!Let’s start with my personal information….My name is Kavita A/P Paramasivam. I am 24 years old this year. I am the only child in the family...I am from Bukit Mertajam, PenangMy primary and secondary education was done in Convent Bukit Mertajam… I did my Form 6 at High School Bukit Mertajam. I graduated from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu… I graduated with Bachelor of Science ( Analytical and Environmental Chemistry)…. My Hobbies are reading motivational books and dancing. Currently… I am pursuing Master of Education in Chemistry Studies. I have experience working as GSTT teacher, at BM High School..  This is something little about me :)

 Contact Information :)
Number : 0149494132
Blog : http://chemistryfunlearning.blogspot.com/