ISSN: 2226-6348
Open access
This study investigates the factors influencing Form 5 students’ attitudes, challenges, and learning strategies in learning carbon compounds in Chemistry. Carbon compounds are widely recognised as one of the most complex topics in the Malaysian secondary school Chemistry curriculum, requiring students to comprehend abstract concepts, reaction mechanisms, and multistep synthesis processes. A quantitative survey design was employed, involving 100 science stream students from SMK Jalan Empat and SMK Pulau Indah in Selangor. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising sections on demographic information, attitudes towards learning carbon compounds, challenges encountered, and strategies adopted by students. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings indicate that students generally exhibit positive attitudes towards the learning of carbon compounds, with teaching approaches identified as a significant influencing factor. However, students reported difficulties primarily related to the memorisation and application of multistep synthesis. In terms of learning strategies, practising past-year examination questions was identified as the most effective approach. The study highlights the importance of addressing both cognitive and pedagogical factors to enhance students’ understanding and engagement. It is recommended that educators adopt targeted instructional strategies and provide structured support to improve students’ performance in learning carbon compounds.
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