A Content Analysis of Visual Chemical Triangle Representation in the Chemistry Textbooks for Grade X of Senior High School on Redox Material
Siti Nur Afifah(1), Lina Mahardiani(1), and Budi Utami(2)

(1)Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret,
Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Kentingan, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia
(2)Department of Science Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret,
Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Kentingan, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia

Abstract

Chemical representations, especially visuals, can assist learning in understanding abstract concepts. Therefore, the requirement of representations in chemistry textbooks is necessary to enhance understanding. This qualitative descriptive study provides analysis of visual representation related to redox material in chemistry textbooks based on chemical triangle representation. The instrument was develop based on the five criteria for chemical representation by Gkitzia, Salta & Tzograki. Cohen Kappa coefficient was used to measure inter-rater agreement and the results show this study has almost perfect agreement (0,891). The findings show that visual representation presented in the three books has met the standard criteria of chemical representation by Gkitzia. The textbooks use macroscopic, submicroscopic, multiple, and mixed types of visual representation to illustrate redox material. The proportion with the largest percentage for the type of representation is macroscopic representation while for interpretation of the surface is ambiguous in the books. Most of the images in the textbooks are completely related and linked to the text and have image captions. The study could provide the teacher with information to choose which book is much suitable to be used as a learning resource.

Keywords: Content Analysis, Visual Representation, Chemical Triangle, Chemistry Textbook, Redox

Topic: Science Education in General