Impact

Based on the data collected (refer to Suitability/Efficacy in Introduction), CCM method was proven to be effective among the students to help them to answer questions on the chemical reactions of 7 chapters of aliphatic organic compounds because they were able to summarise all 7 chapters and visualise the connection between the organic compounds. From the interview session with the students, we also found that CCM was able to increase students' ability of retaining information in their long term memories using the colour code. From the comparison between the pre-tests and the post-tests, it was obvious that CCM method is able to increase the score of the students in questions involving synthetic pathway and prediction or deduction of organic compound structures.

Based on the observation, the students also showed increased interest in studying chemical reactions of aliphatic compounds through producing more organised and attractive CCM during practice. Most of the students were willing to reconstruct their own CCM on a piece of A3 paper. To them it was larger, easier to refer and could add some important notes in the empty spaces. Some of them added other informative short notes in their CCM. From their feedbacks, they could revise from one chapter to another chapter at anytime and anywhere. This is because of its handy size. The figures below show the improvisation of the CCM constructed by student A in 3 attempts.

First attempt of CCM constructed by student A

Second attempt of CCM constructed by student A

Third attempt of CCM constructed by student A

Benefits :
1. CCM is a 7 in 1 Concept Map. It helps students to visualise the linkage of 7 classes of compounds.

2. CCM is an interactive tool. It can hold interactive activity among students or between students and lecturer inside and outside of classroom. For example : The students can question their friends, e.g. How to form Amines from Alkanes?  Their friends have to answer without referring to the CCM.

3. CCM can serve as a complimentary of the present TnL Tool for lecturers. Lecturers can also use CCM as an alternative TnL method.

4. CCM is colour-coded.  According to the inventor of mind map, Tony Bunzan, saying that people are 80% more likely to remember what they read if it's in colour.

5. Quick revision. Students can use CCM as a quick revision before exam. Due to its handy size, students can revise from 1 chapter to another anytime and anywhere.

6. Produce independent learners.  The students can explore all 7 chapters themselves using the self-help CCM guidebook complete with simple and clear guidelines.


Since the CCM guidebook has not been launched for usage, the efficacy and limitations of the guidebook has not been determined. For future work, tests and questionnaires will be conducted and preliminary data will be collected and analysed to evaluate the efficacy of the CCM guidebook. If the results obtained was positive, the CCM guidebook will be launched in e-book format too.