ULO2: Apply electrochemistry knowledge to calculate, graph, interpret and report electrochemical data and results.
The completed quizzes and worksheets demonstrate my ability to apply my electrochemical knowledge. The discussion sections of my practical reports all show an ability in reporting on electrochemical data and results.
I found the easiest way to actually apply my knowledge was through the quizzes and worksheets. I often find that I can read a concept and be told how to apply equations but to fully understand the concepts I need to be able to apply it for myself. I find that doing practice questions solidifies my understandings and helps me work out where I am lacking.
As seen in my quiz results, I was not able to answer the questions successfully straight after doing the readings. Although I felt like I had an understanding of the concepts, when I was made to apply it to a question I struggled to apply the knowledge and often felt as though I had not seen these types of situations in the reading. After I few tries on the quizes, I could work out where my knowledge was lacking and build on it before completing it again. Often I would use the first attempt at the quiz as a way to learn what information I was supposed to get from the readings, therefore I could focus on the sections in the readings that were of importance.
I found the textbooks were difficult for me to understand and although I could read them and follow the information, it did not help to apply this practically.
As seen in my quiz results, there were some topics that I understood better than others. Concept 5 took me multiple attempts before I was able to answer all the questions. Whereas concept 6 on Bulk electrolysis I received full marks by my second attempt.
I did not learn much from the readings, especially in the way of being able to interpret information. I learned a lot from the worksheet and usually did them before doing the readings. I personally find that using a worked out answer to guide my initial understanding of the topic the easiest way to learn how to carry out calculations and interpret them. I usually looked at the answer for the first question and then used that information to attempt the following question on my own. After learning how to carry out the calculations and the graphing, I would then do the reading to learn how to interpret the information and what the information meant.
My practical reports (seen in ULO1) also demonstrate my ability to interpret and report on the data obtained. I found that the practical reports helped me in interpreting my results, as I already had a strong understanding of the calculations and graphs as a result of the worksheets and quizzes. the need to be able to explain my results in the report helped me focus on understanding the theory and was the main motivator to do the readings and further research to truly understand the concepts
Learning Portfolio 