Systemic Tasks in the Teaching of Organic Chemistry

Abstract

This paper builds on a previous one entitled “Systemic Tasks in the Teaching of Inorganic Chemistry” published in Chemické listy 9/2022, which explained the SATL method (Systemic Approach in Teaching and Learning), described the individual types of systemic tasks in inorganic chemistry, and provided examples. This paper aims to share examples of systemic tasks designed for teaching organic chemistry, which focus on developing higher-order cognitive processes. 89 teachers applied these systemic tasks in teaching 2136 second year grammar school students in the course of two school years (2019–2021). Upon verification, it was confirmed that systemic tasks enhanced students’ understanding of orga­nic chemistry and contributed to the development of cognitive and scientific skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, cooperation, argumentation, and result interpretation. The teachers involved in this research also provided their opinions on the pros and cons of this teaching tool in terms of motivation, deeper understanding, identifying misconceptions, and time requirements.