A Need Analysis in Empowering Chemistry Teacher with Integrated Brain-STEM Instructional Approaches Module in The Acid-Base Topic

Abstract

Acid-Base Topic within chemistry syllabus of education curriculum stands as a significant topic that deeply connected with real-life. The challenges caused by the complexities in learning abstract concepts in this topic make it difficult for the students to comprehend and relate it with real-life. A module that focuses on the integration of brain-based strategy with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) domains has a big potential in solving these issues. The objectives of this study are to explore teachers’ insight regard with Acid-Base Topic in Standard Secondary School Curriculum (KSSM) and to explore teachers’ perspective regard with components to be incorporated in the Integrated Brain-STEM Instructional Approach Module. For this purpose, a need analysis was carried out through a qualitative study. The standard documents and semi-structure interview form were used as the data collection tools in the study. Purposive sampling was implied by the researchers to select five experienced chemistry teachers for conducting the interview. The interview data collected were transcribed and analysed by using thematic analysis approach. The data from the interviews were analysed based on four pre-determined themes, which are, (1) Acid-Base Topic Curriculum, (2) The Focus of The Integrated Brain-STEM Instructional Approach Module, (3) The Important Elements of The Integrated Brain-STEM Instructional Approach Module, and (4) The Strategies for Integrated Brain-STEM Instructional Approach Module. The results of this study found that a module is needed to empower chemistry teachers with the integrated Brain-STEM approach. It was also revealed that the respondents advocated a need for focusing of intervention in teaching acid-base part separately with salt. Based on the respondents’ consensus, nine components such as STEM skills enhancement, active interaction, and hands-on learning should be included in the module development.