The effectiveness of using Needham Model in acquiring chemical concepts among tenth grade students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of Needham Model in enhancing the acquisition of chemical concepts among tenth grade students. This study was implemented in the first semester of the academic year (2024-2025). The study used experimental designing, and chose the two-group equivalent design with pre-test and post-test, which requires the presence of two groups. where a sample of 61 students was divided into an experimental group (31 students) taught using Needham representation model and a control group (30 students) taught using applied learning methods، at the (Vanas School for Girl). The study used a 24-item chemical concept acquisition test, which assessed conceptual learning through tasks (Definition, Differentiation and Generalization). The validity (94%) and reliability (0.793) of the experiment were confirmed through expert reviews and statistical analysis. The results demonstrated a statistically significant superiority in The performance of the experimental group that was taught according to Needham's model was in favor of the experimental group compared to the control group that followed the established method, with a large effect size (Cohen’s d =0.612), this indicates a strong effect of the Needham representation model, the researcher suggested many recommendations such as conducting more research on this model. Also organizing training courses by the Directorate of Preparation and Training of the General Directorate of Education of Erbil Province and science teachers that include modern teaching models, including the use of the Needham model in various subjects. This indicates that this model facilitates the level of understanding of chemical concepts and facilitates students’ understanding in learning chemistry.