Higher school certificate chemistry in Tasmania : the last two decades : a study of the changing pattern of HSC chemistry in Tasmania in the period 1966-1988

Chemistry at the Higher School Certificate level has changed dramatically in the last twenty years. This thesis is concerned with those changes, the reasons for the changes and the way they have been brought about. The changing pattern of student intake is studied first on a world-wide basis and then from the particular, view of the Tasmanian scene. Then follows an account of the many and varied changes to the curriculum, examinations, and assessment techniques. The effect of these-changes on student numbers is also correlated. The period 1966 - 1988 has seen a progressive change from a stereo-typed traditional chemistry course to the more conceptual CHEM Study Course and finally a truly Australian developed course. These changes are studied in depth. During the same period the student population has changed tremendously. In the 1960's students were faced with a massive load of rote-learning and a practical experience that was very limited in scope. Today's students are allowed to take the text book into the examination and carry out many diverse experiments in the laboratory. These facets are considered and from questionnaire material the reactions of both students and teachers are given. Changes from a complete external assessment to the present half external and half internal have taken place progressively over this period. This has affected the teaching methods particularly regarding methods of assessment. The changing nature of the student population in the Years Eleven and Twelve has caused much thought and debate. Changes to Chemistry curricula have attempted to cope for the varying student intake. These changes are documented and discussed. The roles of both the University of Tasmania and the Schools Board of Tasmania have played a very important part over the period and help from both parties has been readily forthcoming and is well documented. In conclusion the thesis, is in effect the \Tasmanian Chemistry Story\". The major changes which have taken place over the last two decades are mainly unknown to a large percentage of the teaching staff in Tasmania and so it is believed that a document of this type may serve as both a reminder of the past and guide to the future."