EQUATION TESTING IN HIGH SCHOOLS LBONARD J. FLIEDNER, GEOROE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL, NEW YORE CITY In the teaching of equations a t George Washington High School we have encountered the usual difficulties of high-school teachers. After having taught a topic in chemistry including the equations for the reactions involved we found that the pupils did not study them. The necessary testing of their ability to write the equations in the usual manner consumed considerable time in the class and after class for the teacher. It occurred to the author that a device for testing equations that would take but a few minutes of the period, could be readily checked, and was flexible enough to permit repetition on especially difficult groups of equations, was desirable. A list of typical equations was made. These covered the work of the year and followed the order of the textbook. They were divided into thiiy-six groups of five equations each. Mimeographed forms were prepared as illustrated. Rating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (32) Equations Namc ........................................ Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. ZnCL NaOH -+ 2. HgS OS---, 3. HgO (heated) -+ 4. Cu HgNOs 4 5. Hg HNOs + Marked b y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
+ + + +
The tests are usually given a t the beginning of the period. About five minutes are allowed for the pupils to complete them. The papers are then exchanged. The name of the pupil is written a t the bottom of the paper he is rating. A pupil is called to read each of the five equations. The teacher writes the correct equation on the blackboard as it is read. Incorrect equations on the papers are marked with an X. The rating is placed in the space provided for it. The papers are returned to the owners who compare their work with the equations on the blackboard. The papers are then collected and the ratings recorded by the teacher after class. Later they are returned to the pupils for correction and preservation in their notebooks. The whole procedure takes about twelve minutes. Since the groups of equations follow the text it is possible to check on the pupils' knowledge of the reactions that are being discussed in connection with any topic of the term's work. Difficult equations which require repeated drill and testing may be readily handled by a repetition of the described procedure. The knowledge on the part of the pupils that they are to be carefully checked on their ability to write equations has stimulated their interest and attention and has improved their ability to use this most important chemical shorthand. The tests have been used for several terms by all members of the department who have expressed great satisfaction with the results obtained. 939
