Improve students’ understanding with Johnstone’s triangle

By Duncan Short and Colin McGill2024-08-19T07:12:00

Source: © Fran_kie/Shutterstock

Make abstract ideas concrete by linking macroscopic, submicroscopic and symbolic representations

While teachers might see chemistry on the three levels of macroscopic, submicroscopic and symbolic, novice learners cannot and they quickly become overloaded. Johnstone’s triangle is a model you can use to break down abstract ideas and link the levels. Use it as a teaching aid to check students understand what they are being taught and when planning lessons to ensure you’re not asking too much of learners.

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