Assessing the Need for the Development of a Problem-Posing Multimedia Package for Teaching Hydrocarbon Concepts: Perspectives from Secondary School Chemistry Teachers

Abstract

This study presents a need analysis conducted as the first phase of the ADDIE instructional design model to justify the development of a problem-posing multimedia package for teaching hydrocarbons in organic chemistry. This investigation is rooted in the documented complexity of hydrocarbon concepts for secondary students, including abstract molecular structures and reaction mechanisms, which often lead to persistent misconceptions and low engagement. Coupled with the increasing emphasis on interactive, student-centered pedagogies and digital integration in modern science curricula, there is a pressing need to explore innovative instructional solutions. A preliminary study was conducted involving interviews with six experienced chemistry teachers with teaching qualifications and at least 10 years work experience. The teacher interviews explored current pedagogical practices, challenges in teaching hydrocarbons, student misconceptions, and perceptions of multimedia and problem-posing approaches. Five themes emerged from teacher interviews: importance of hydrocarbon concepts, challenges in teaching and learning hydrocarbons, student misconceptions in Organic chemistry, teaching methods resources, and strategies for improving engagement. Findings revealed significant gaps in foundational knowledge, limited use of interactive pedagogies, persistent misconceptions, and inadequate laboratory and digital resources. The results justify the need for a problem-posing multimedia package to support conceptual understanding and active student engagement. Recommendations include integrating visualizations, contextualized problem-posing tasks, inquiry-based activities, and improved resourcing. The study contributes to literature on chemistry education by providing evidence-based justification for multimedia-supported problem-posing pedagogy in the teaching of hydrocarbons.