Johnstone Triangle: The Key to Understanding Chemistry

Chemistry is often considered a difficult subject, but the triangle model developed by Alex H. Johnstone in the early 1980s has been applied in almost every area of education at all stages of learning. Research into human learning has shown that working memory is critical to understanding chemistry, and the model rationalizes evidence from chemistry education research and teachers' experiences. The book aims to help all involved in sharing the story of how humans have come to understand the molecular world and offers clear directions for chemistry education.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2021
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Chemistry is often perceived as a challenging subject to grasp. This book delves into the triangle model developed by Alex H. Johnstone in the early 1980s. Initially conceived with the aim of making chemistry more accessible to a broader range of learners, the model has since been applied across various areas of chemistry education at different stages of learning.

In exploring the reasons behind the difficulty of chemistry, two central questions arise. Firstly, does the challenge stem from the inherent nature of chemistry itself, or does it relate to the way humans acquire understanding? Research revealed that both factors hold significant importance, and the answers to these questions are interconnected.

The triangle model emerged from extensive research into human learning. The key finding from this research is the crucial role of working memory in understanding chemistry. The model provides a rationalization for a wealth of evidence from chemistry education research, as well as the collective experiences of chemistry teachers at all levels. To fully comprehend chemistry, it is essential to establish robust mental models of molecular reality. This has far-reaching implications for the construction of a chemistry curriculum and the teaching and learning processes in chemistry when the primary objective is to grasp the key ideas. Some of these implications are explored, and guidance is provided for more effective approaches.

The power of the Johnstone Triangle lies in its ability to offer clear directions for all stakeholders involved in chemistry education. It is hoped that this book will be valuable to everyone involved in sharing the captivating story of how humans have unraveled the molecular world, a testament to remarkable human endeavor.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 177 x 395 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839161681