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Reasoning using particulate nature of matter: An example of a sociochemical norm in a university-level physical chemistry class
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Reasoning using particulate nature of matter: An example of a sociochemical norm in a university-level physical chemistry class

Nicole Becker, Chris Rasmussen, George Sweeney, Megan Wawro, Marcy Towns and Renee Cole
Chemistry Education Research and Practice, Vol.14(1), pp.81-94
2013
DOI: 10.1039/C2RP20085F
url
https://doi.org/10.1039/C2RP20085FView
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

In college level chemistry courses, reasoning using molecular and particulate descriptions of matter becomes central to understanding physical and chemical properties. In this study, we used a qualitative approach to analyzing classroom discourse derived from Toulmin's model of argumentation in order to describe the ways in which students develop particulate-level justifications for claims about thermodynamic properties. Our analysis extends the construct of sociomathematical norms to a chemistry context in order to describe disciplinary criteria for reasoning and justification, which we refer to as sociochemical norms. By examining how whole class and small group discussions shape norms related to reasoning, we provide suggestions for teaching practices in inquiry-oriented settings.

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