Identifying Needs for Development of Organic Reaction Teaching Model (ORTM)

Abstract

Organic reaction mechanism (ORM) is the step-by-step sequence of reactions which describes the occurrence of chemical changes among organic compounds. The concept has been perceived by many students as being difficult. Mere memorisation of this concept has led to a partial recall of facts and misconceptions that make the concepts more difficult. Identifying the needs for developing organic reaction mechanisms teaching model is an important part of chemistry instruction. This study focuses on the review of studies, especially in the context of students’ difficulties and common errors to justify the need for developing alternative model for teaching organic reaction. The study applies the scoping review procedure including identification of research questions, selecting relevant studies, the setting of inclusion and exclusion criteria, and finally charting and data reporting. The scoping review of 15 articles published between 2014 and 2019 indicates indicated that students faced difficulties in learning ORM. Additionally, the studies have identified the common errors of students when learning ORM such as hypervalency, wrong use of arrows, and failure to conserve charges. Finally, the implications for teaching and learning ORM and the need to develop an alternative teaching model was justified.