Using Concept Maps in Teaching Organic Chemical Reactions

Barbara Šket^a and Saša Aleksij Glažar^b
a Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Vegova 4, Slovenia, E-mail: barbara.sket@guest.arnes.si
^b Faculty of Education, University of Ljubljana, Kardeljeva ploščad 16, Slovenia, E-mail: sasa.glazar@guest.arnes.si

Abstract
An elaborated concept map that includes reactions of three types of organic molecules: hydrocarbons, organic halides and oxygen-containing compounds, can be used as a tool for teaching and learning organic chemistry at the secondary school level. A concept map can enable a better construction of cognitive structure, including concepts and correlations between them. At some point in the teaching/learning process the elaborated concept map can facilitate problem solving and in completing reaction schemes.

Key words: concept map, oxidation number of carbon atom, transformations, problem solving, meaningful learning