“The Mole Environment”Development and Implementation of Studyware

The mole is a fundamental concept in chemistry. It is a basic measurement unit and is used for stoichiometric calculations, expressing solution concentrations, equilibrium constant, and pH. Many students have difficulties in understanding and applying the mole concept. Students therefore adopt a variety of algorithmic techniques for solving problems provided as predefined templates in books, classes, tests, and matriculation examinations. Consequently, some of the students are not capable of solving complicated problems which do not conform with any of the templates they recognize. Having identified these problems, we have developed a studyware referred to as “The Mole Environment”. This studyware integrates two approaches: (1) continuous, real-time feedback to the student responses and (2) incorporating real-life problems from the domains of environmental studies, chemical industry, and medicine. The studyware includes problems at several cognitive levels which progress in difficulty and complexity. The development, implementation in high school and in-service teachers' training, and evaluation are presented and discussed.