Editorial
Chemistry and Environment State Matriculation Exams: Some Unexpected Inferences
Absract. In this paper a comment related to one of the tasks of the State Matriculation Exam in Chemistry & Environment is made. On the basis of students’answers and their mistakes the authors draw conclusions and offer some recommendations about writing of chemical equations, development of communicative abilities and argumentative skills.
Keywords: chemistry education, state matriculation exams
A. Tafrova-Grigorova, V. Dimitrova, S. Manev
Teaching Efficiency
About the Quality of Chemistry and Environment Education, A Student’s Personality Oriented Education
Absract. An important goal for Bulgarian school education is to provide a
good quality studies at secondary school. Some low level achievements of 15-
year old students found by international examinations are mentioned here. Certain factors determining the quality of education in chemistry are discussed. The importance of the teaching subject and teachers’ role to provide a good students’ cognition and their position, the active part they take in the process are mentioned,together with teacher – student and student – student relations. The issue connected with school – family relations is considered in terms of educational quality betterment. Optimization of regulations and especially the curriculum, with accent on natural studies, the same concerning the syllabus and the new standards of educational subjects; purposeful policy towards teachers’ qualification concerning both knowledge and methods of teaching; creation of special educational background that can encourage the development of students’ characters – these are the most important conclusions. Some issues bound to school discipline and setting up a system to measure students’ achievements more effectively are also considered.
Keywords: quality of education, chemistry education
L. Boyanova
Teaching Efficiency
Using the Results of the Chemistry and Environment State Matriculation Exams to Improve Quality of Teaching and Learning
Absract. The analysis of the results of State Matriculation Exams offers several uses: one of them is a feedback which can serve to improve quality of education in Chemistry and Environment school subject. A study based on 451 chemistry
matriculation tests for 2009 and 240 for 2008 is being reported. Student answers to the free-response test items are discussed and learning difficulties are outlined. The students’ achievements toward application of scientific knowledge in situations which are close to the real ones are found to be unsatisfactory. The conclusions drawn can help to promote more effective teaching and learning. In addition, this study provides suggestions for reforming and management of the school work.
Keywords: chemistry education, matriculation tests, students’ achievements
V. Dimitrova, S. Manev, A. Tafrova-Grigorova
Problems
2009′ Competition Chemistry Exam in the Sofia University
Absract. On the admission exams in chemistry at the Sofia University „St. Kliment Ohridski“ this year appeared fewer candidates than in 2008. Although the average grade of this year’s exam is higher than last year, in the subjects of Chemical Faculty enrolled fewer students – there was a lack of interest. One reason for the higher marks is the easier test assignment, but further assignement of the exam in order to attract more candidates and students willing to study the
chemical disciplines, is not reasonable. Not only because the chemistry exam is an
entrance exam in Medical Faculty of Sofia University also, and there the number
of candidates (still) is not a problem, but the possibility for application in Faculty of Chemistry with grades of matriculation would make the examination meaningless. The tasks from the two admission exams in chemistry for the University of Sofia in 2009 are presented. The correct answers and solutions can be found on the website of Faculty of Chemistry – http://www.chem.uni-sofia.bg.
Keywords: entrance exam in chemistry, matriculation in chemistry, test questions,
logic problems
G. Pekov, D. Tasheva, P. Tsanova, H. Chanev, D. Todorovsky
Problems
Standardization Procedure of Sofia University Admission Test in Physics
Absract. The aim of the present survey is to describe the content of the Sofia University admission test in Physics, to analyze the quality of the problems and a posteriori the character of the test, as well as to make some evaluation and
conclusions related to the education of physics in Bulgarian schools. This survey is a part of the standardization procedure of admission tests to secondary schools
and universities in accordance with the contemporary requirements in the educational system. The ground on which the statistical methods of analysis are applied is based on an extract of more than 130 candidate students whose tests empirically originated a data base. The extract is representative for the country because it includes representatives from all areas.
Keywords: standardization procedure, admission tests, statistical methods,
physics
D. Marvakov, M. Gaydarova, K. Tutulkov
Bulgarian Educational Tradition
European Priorities and Traditions of the Chemistry Education in Bulgaria
Absract. This review paper outlines the development of the Bulgarian chemistry education through the centuries. The European roots of the educational practices used are emphasized. The achievements in the past and the difficulties in the modern times are both commented.
Keywords: Bulgarian education, history, Chemistry education
L. Genkova
Reviews
An Act of Appreciation (G. Bliznakov)
Absract. The memorial book devoted to Professor G. Bliznakov (1920-2004) contains recollections and short notices by Bliznakov’s coworkers and friends. A complete
bibliography of Bliznakov’s books and papers is also presented.
Keywords: Prof. G. Bliznakov, biography, bibliography, inorganic chemistry
D. Klissurski
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