In high school level chemistry classes, many students have a difficult time understanding the chemical theory behind stoichiometric problems. Teachers often use multiple approaches to improve student problem-solving strategies. A traditional method employed by many instructors to solve these types of problems is known as Dimensional Analysis (DA), which focuses on the cancelation of units. There is an alternative method known as Ratio and Proportions (RAP), which emphasizes the relationship between the molar ratio, molar mass, and the balanced equation. In this study high school chemistry teachers incorporated the RAP method to teach stoichiometry rather than their traditional method of DA. This study will help determine which of these two methods results in a deeper understanding of stoichiometry by comparing student performance on in-class assessments, district wide assessments, and state standardized exams.

High school students comprehension of stoichiometry using ratio and proportions

245th National Meeting (2013)

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