Enhancing Chemical Bonding Comprehension Through Visual AIDS Among First Year Geodetic Engineering Students

Abstract

This research aims to enhance chemical bonding comprehension through visual aids among first-year Geodetic Engineering students at Batangas State University. Abstract concepts of chemistry, like ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding, are difficult to master for many students; hence, the need to try out instructional tools that will enhance understanding among learners. This research uses a quantitative-descriptive research design. The researchers prepared a survey questionnaire with validated questions and administered it to 50 students coming from Geodetic Engineering 1101 and Geodetic Engineering 1102. Three areas were measured by the study: difficulties of students learning chemical bonding, assessment of visual aid videos on explanation, usefulness, and engagement, and an overall effectiveness of these visual aids. Results showed that the students strongly agreed that the video visual aids had supported their learning immensely, improved retention, clarified several complex ideas, and bridged many gaps. It was noted that especially, visual explanations enhanced the connection between classroom instruction and independent learning. These results show that the use of visual aids is a very effective instructional tool to simplify abstract chemistry concepts and thereby enhance students\' comprehension. This study recommends the further use of appropriately designed visual materials in every lesson in chemistry to enhance deeper understanding of concepts.

Introduction

The study investigates the effectiveness of visual aids in enhancing the understanding of chemical bonding among first-year Geodetic Engineering students at Batangas State University. Chemistry, particularly chemical bonding, is an abstract subject that students often find difficult due to challenges in visualizing atomic interactions and understanding symbolic representations. Visual aids, including videos, diagrams, and models, are proposed as a strategy to make these concepts more concrete, engaging, and easier to understand.

Methodology:
A quantitative, descriptive research design was employed. Fifty first-year Geodetic Engineering students participated, responding to structured questionnaires evaluating their learning difficulties and the effectiveness of visual aids in terms of explanation, usefulness, and engagement. Data were analyzed using Likert-scale responses to identify patterns in comprehension and perceptions of visual aids.

Results:

1. Difficulties: Students strongly agreed they face challenges with chemical bonding, especially in visualizing electron interactions, understanding symbolic notations, and distinguishing between bond types (composite mean = 4.14).

2. Visual Aid Analysis: Students rated visual aids highly in terms of explanation (4.42), usefulness (4.40), and engagement (4.32). Videos clarified concepts, improved understanding, aided retention, and made learning more interactive and enjoyable.

3. Effectiveness: Overall, students strongly agreed that visual aids significantly improved their comprehension of chemical bonding, enhanced confidence in problem-solving, and facilitated understanding of abstract concepts (composite mean = 4.40).

Conclusion

The research findings show that visual aids prove to be an excellent tool for helping first-year Geodetic Engineering students at Batangas State University – Alangilan Campus understand chemical bonding better. The research results show that students face major obstacles when studying chemical bonding because they struggle to understand symbols and abstract representations and notation systems. The high composite mean of 4.14 shows that students face major learning difficulties which traditional teaching methods cannot solve effectively. The survey results show that visual aids received high agreement ratings from students across all assessment criteria which included explanation and usefulness and engagement and overall effectiveness. The visual aid videos delivered precise and relevant explanations about fundamental bonding principles which helped students understand classroom material better. Students reported that these educational resources enhanced their ability to remember schoolwork and simplified complicated subjects while making study preparation easier. The visual aids demonstrated their usefulness by enabling students to solve problems independently while applying learned concepts to practical situations. The visual aids created an engaging learning environment which helped students feel less anxious about chemistry while making them more enthusiastic about studying. The videos kept students focused while encouraging them to think actively and created a positive learning experience. The students maintained high levels of engagement but showed a slightly lower ability to stay focused from start to finish. The visual aids achieved a high composite mean of 4.40 which demonstrates their effectiveness in helping students understand chemical bonding better. Visual models and diagrams made complex ideas more accessible while boosting students\' bonding problem-solving abilities and their ability to retain information when they received additional practice activities. The implementation of visual aids during chemistry lessons produces excellent results for first-year Geodetic Engineering students. Visual aids help students overcome learning obstacles while improving their understanding of chemical bonding and their class participation and academic results. The research evidence supports using visual educational resources to enhance chemistry learning by overcoming student challenges and creating an active learning space.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Annie Jane M. Dimaano, Lee Hazel O. Fajilan, Alfonso Miguel V. Veslino, Joanne Marielle M. Gojo Cruz, Johnrolf Marico R. Majait, Paula F. Pacyaan, John Eros I. Villareal, Bryle A. Armeza. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.