The Effect of ‘box-and-bead’ Analogy versus Retrieval-based Learning on Retention in Chemical Kinetics among First-Year Chemistry Students

Abstract

The study examined the effects of the box-and-bead analogy versus retrieval-based learning on students’ retention and performance in chemical kinetics among first-year chemistry students. A purposive sampling technique was used to sample participants from the accessible population. The sample was made of two hundred and forty-five (n = 245) first-year chemistry students, at a public university, in South Africa. The study adopted a sequential explanatory research design. A chemical kinetics retention test (CKRT) was used for data collection as pre-, post-test and delayed post-test. A reliability coefficient of 0.73 was established using the Kuderson and Richardson correlation moment coefficient. Participants in the two groups were taught using an advanced retrieval instruction approach and the box-and-bead analogy. The results of the study showed no statistical difference in the retention of procedural knowledge and a statistical difference in conceptual knowledge. Overall, students taught using advanced retrieval performed better than the other group. The study underlines the fact that analogy-based instruction can be effective in improving conceptual knowledge using concrete analogues that aid in the retention of chemical kinetics. The findings of this study are diagnostic and they assist module designers in determining the procedural and conceptual knowledge in chemical kinetics retained by students, even after years have passed.