Inquiry based experimental applications in the chemistry laboratory [Aplicaciones basadas en la indagación en el laboratorio de química]

Abstract

In the study, pre-service chemistry students' performance that appears after applications in which they developed inquiry based chemistry experiments has been examined. Also examined was whether inquiry based experimental applications in chemistry laboratory have an effect on student's logical thinking skills, scientific process skills, and attitudes towards chemistry laboratory and anxieties towards chemistry laboratory. A semi-experimental design was used. 42 pre-service chemistry teachers attended the study. In the research, quantitative data obtained from tests and scales administered to students have been supported by qualitative data obtained from student interviews. Multiple regression analysis has showed that 62% of the changes in students' performance in inquiry-based experimental applications were predicted by their logical thinking skills, scientific process skills, attitudes towards chemistry laboratory and anxieties towards chemistry laboratory. Finally unstructured interviews with students about inquiry based experimental applications in the chemistry laboratory'were conducted. © Fundación Revista de Educación de las Ciencias.