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Wanasinghe Durayalage Chandrasena
Wanasinghe Durayalage Chandrasena is a senior lecturer attached to the Science Education Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. He is currently a PhD candidate at the Centre for Positive Psychology and Education and specialises in science education. His teaching and research focuses on science education, with a particular emphasis on chemistry education. His PhD is on the development and use of diagnostic tests to evaluate students’ misconceptions in Chemistry and finding the remedial measures to minimize these misconceptions.
Qualifications
B.Sc.(Chem. Sp.) Hons, Dip. in Ed., M.Sc. in Sci. Ed., M.Phil. in Ed., M. I. Chem. Cey., C . Chem.
Thesis Title
Development and use of diagnostic tests to evaluate students’ misconceptions in Chemistry and finding the remedial measures to minimize these misconceptions
Supervisor
Abstract
Alternative conceptions play a larger role in learning chemistry than simply producing inadequate explanations to questions. Students either consciously or subconsciously construct their concepts as explanations for the behavior, properties or theories they experience. They believe most of these explanations are correct because these explanations make sense in terms of their understanding of the behavior of the world around them. Consequently if students encounter new information that contradicts their alternative conceptions it may be difficult for them to accept the new information because it seems wrong. The anomalies do not fit their expectations. Under these conditions the new information may…be ignored, rejected, disbelieved, deemed irrelevant to the current issue, held for consideration at a later time, reinterpreted in light of the student’s current theories, or accepted [while only making] minor changes in the student’s [previously held] concept. Occasionally anomalous information could be accepted and the alternative conception revised.
If anomalous new information is presented in a learning situation where the student is rewarded (with grades) for remembering it, the information may be memorized in order to earn the reward, but it is likely to be quickly forgotten because it does not make sense. The research aims include (a) designing and developing diagnostic tests to establish students’ misconceptions in Chemistry (b) administering the above tests to find out students’ misconceptions (c) finding remedial measures to minimize the students’ misconceptions. The results of this study will be useful for teachers and teacher educators in developing teaching methodology. The curriculum developers can also use these results in developing the curriculum.
Publications
Chandrasena, W.D., Perera, J.S.H.Q., Karunaratne, W.G. (2008) (298/E2) Problems faced by G.C.E.(A/L) students in Chemical calculations, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Proceedings of the 64th Annual Sessions - 2008, Part I – Abstracts.
Chandrasena, W.D., Perera, J.S.H.Q., Karunaratne, W.G.(2008) Assessing the G.C.E. (A/L) Students’ Performance in Chemical Calculations; A Case Study of Schools in the Central and Uva Provinces, Proceedings of the Peradeniya University Research Sessions, Sri Lanka, Vol. 13 - 18th December, 2008
Chandrasena, W.D., Diyabalanage, T.K.K., Wannigama, G.P., Jayasinghe, U.L.B., Herath, W.H.M.W., Weerasooriya, A.(1995) (E2-14) Chemical Constituents of Uncaria elliptica collected from two sites, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Fifty First Annual Session proceedings, Part I Page 395.
Chandrasena, W.D., Diyabalanage, T.K.K., Wannigama, G.P. (1995) Chemical Variations of Uncaria elliptica, Proceedings of the Annual Research Sessions, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya 1995, Page 17.
Tennakoon, D.T.B. Bandara,, H.M.N. , Chandrasena, W.D.,Illangantilleke, A.N. (1995) Consruction of an improved automatic burette, Proceedings of the Annual Research Sessions, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya 1995, Page 9.
Chandrasena, W.D., Diyabalanage, T.K.K., Wannigama, G.P. (1996) Chemical Variations of Uncaria elliptica, Proccedings of the Annual Research Sessions, 1996, Page 148.
Perera, J.S.H.Q., Chandrasena, W.D. (2004) A Tracer study on the Competitiveness of present University of Peradeniya Science Graduates in the job market, Abstracts of papers presented at the conference on Chemical Education for National Development, 2004, Page 37.
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