SN2 5E Model 2.0

Based on reflections from past lessons, the Fantastic Excel group found that students had difficulties in writing the SN2 (bimolecular nucleophilic substitution) mechanism learned in organic chemistry because it is difficult to visualise the processes that occur at the molecular level in three dimensions. Students also experienced difficulty in comparing the reactivity towards SN2 reactions among various classes of haloalkanes. To address this learning problem, a lesson study was conducted on 21 students in the F3T3 practicum. Two cycles were carried out to improve the related teaching and learning activities and materials, resulting in the production of the SN2 5E Model 2.0, which is a digital tool containing links to various activities such as animated videos, online "hands-on" simulations and interactive digital gameshow-oriented exercises. SN2 5E Model 2.0 assists students in learning the SN2 mechanism based on the 5E Model, which includes 5 phases of learning, namely Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate. SN2 5E Model 2.0 also enables students to carry out self-directed learning and can be utilised as a teaching aid by lecturers in tutorial classes. Through SN2 5E Model 2.0, students can actively involve themselves in activities that explore, construct and deepen the understanding of the SN2 mechanism at a submicroscopic level and subsequently strengthen the mastery of the symbolic domain in writing the mechanism using correct arrows and molecular structural formulas. The learning strategy used in this innovation is in line with 21st-century learning and is suitable for future education. This innovation project has been successfully disseminated at the college level and subsequently to other colleges.