Conceptual discussion on electrochemistry among licentiate degree students in chemistry

Abstract

The present work was carried out at the campus Prof. Alberto Carvalho of Federal University of Sergipe. The aim of this study was to discuss the conceptual relationships on electrochemistry presented by Licentiate degree students in Chemistry, in order to address the difficulties in teaching and understanding this content. Students were protagonists of the teaching and learning process through short-term classes and experimental investigation. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire, concept maps and production of teaching material. The result shows that even actively acting in the activities, students still have difficulties in understanding introductory concepts such as oxidation, reduction, reducing agent, oxidizing agent, cathode, anode and battery. This observation reinforces the importance of the teacher and textbooks emphasize fundamentals of electrochemistry especially at the beginning of the undergraduate course. It is also possible to highlight the electrochemical nomenclature that requires a proper understanding.