Perceived Difficulty of Chemistry Units in Std IX for Students in Kerala Stream Calls for Further Innovations

Chemistry is widely perceived as difficult. Specialized language, mathematical and abstract conceptual nature, and the amount of content are often cited reasons. Researchers have been trying to explain how students should be helped in learning chemistry better. This paper reports the results of a survey to identify the chemistry units in standard nine that are perceived as being difficult by students in Kerala state stream. The sample consists of 1382 standard X students, both males and females, from three high schools from that many revenue districts in Kerala. Six chemistry units were listed in a chart and presented to students so that each student may opt any one unit that s/he thinks the most difficult. The result shows that majority of pupil faces difficulty mainly in the unit on Periodic Table and Chemical Bonding. Since conceptual understanding in chemistry is related to the ability to explain chemical phenomena through the use of macroscopic, molecular and symbolic levels of representation; the authors suggests that innovative learning strategies be used by teachers at all levels of chemistry education to enhance the students' motivation to learn chemistry. Innovation in science education can contribute to the favourable learning environment in schools. Adopting innovative instructional strategies appropriate to the nature of the topic can create a good and favourable environment in classroom. This may in turn make further learning easier for students. (Contains 1 Table and 1 figure.)