Chemistry is an experimental discipline that uses experimentation as
one of its most important research methods. Laboratory work and other
practical work are therefore also essential in chemistry lessons. Chemistry
demonstrations are used by teachers as an educational approach
that can increase students’ interest in chemistry and motivate them to
learn chemical concepts with understanding. However, if the students
are actively involved in the chemistry demonstration, it can be just as
effective as or even more effective than students’ learning through experiments.
The purpose of this research is to examine teachers’ opinions
about the impact of chemistry demonstrations on students’ interest and
chemistry knowledge. Based on a quantitative research approach, 81 primary
and secondary school teachers from different regions of Slovenia
participated in this study. Participating teachers completed an online
questionnaire on their perceptions of the impact of chemistry demonstrations
on students’ interest and performance in chemistry classes and
on the quality of students’ knowledge of chemistry. The results show that
regardless of the years of teaching experience and the frequency of performing
chemistry demonstrations, the participating teachers consider
such demonstrations to have a positive effect on the motivation and performance
of the students in chemistry and on the quality of the students’
knowledge of chemistry.
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