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The effect of using the muddiest point technique in a large general chemistry class
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The effect of using the muddiest point technique in a large general chemistry class

Loraine Palmer Snead
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Aug 2016
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-7381
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Abstract

Chemistry Metacognition Chemistry--Experiments
This study examined the effects of the muddiest point technique on student performance and potential metacognitive benefits in two sections of general chemistry. The muddiest point is a learning model that is used to engage students in large lecture-based chemistry classes. A tally of students' responses to concepts that need the most clarification, hence any "muddy" points was collected. The study analyzed data from three unit tests and one final exam in each of the two experimental sections. Student performance was evaluated based on the muddiest point-correlated exam questions in the four assessments. The two experimental sections were compared against three controlled general chemistry sections in which the instructors did not employ the muddiest point technique. The results of this investigation indicate no statistical differences between the experimental and control sections, but do imply positive benefits for students whose instructor chose to review confusing topics that were chosen by the majority of the students in the class. These conclusions demonstrate a need for further research to determine whether the muddiest point technique benefits specific types of content understanding that were not evident from the multiple-choice questions or data collection used in this study.

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