Exploring the interplay of innovation competence and chemistry mastery: insights from educational practices and factors of influence
PDF

Keywords

educational innovation
chemical concepts
chemistry learning
teaching strategies
curriculum design

How to Cite

binti Md. Aris, N., Ibrahim, N. H. binti, Binti Abd Halim, N. D., & bin Surif, J. (2025). Exploring the interplay of innovation competence and chemistry mastery: insights from educational practices and factors of influence. Eclética Química, 50, e–1574. https://doi.org/10.26850/1678-4618.eq.v50.2025.e1574

Abstract

Innovation competence is a critical skill today, enabling individuals to generate and apply innovative ideas. Its influence on students’ mastery of chemical concepts and the factors shaping this relationship remain underexplored. This scoping review analyzes 31 studies to address three research questions: (1) How does innovation competence influence students' mastery of chemical concepts? (2) What factors shape this relationship? (3) What strategies can educators implement to foster innovation competence and chemical mastery? Findings reveal a positive correlation between innovation competence and chemical mastery, influenced by motivation, teaching strategies, and curriculum design. Practical strategies include problem-based learning, collaborative projects, and hands-on activities. While these insights provide valuable guidance, further research is needed to fully understand the interplay between innovation competence and chemical learning. This study offers actionable recommendations for enhancing teaching practices and advancing future research in chemistry education.

https://doi.org/10.26850/1678-4618.eq.v50.2025.e1574
PDF

References

Anim-Eduful, B.; Adu-Gyamfi, K. Nature of Senior High School Chemistry Students’ Alternative Conceptions in Organic Qualitative Analysis. Aquademia. 2023, 7 (2), ep23007. https://doi.org/10.29333/aquademia/13711

Anwar, S.; Menekse, M.; Guzey, S. S.; Bryan, L. A. The Effectiveness of an Integrated STEM Curriculum Unit on Middle School Students’ Life Science Learning. J. Res. Sci. Teach. 2022, 59 (7), 1204–1234. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21756

Arksey, H.; O’Malley, L. Scoping Studies: Towards a Methodological Framework. Int. J. Soc. Res. Methodol. 2005, 8 (1), 19–32. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/1364557032000119616

Atamanyuk, S.; Semenikhina, O.; Shyshenko, I. Theoretical fundamentals of innovation of higher education in Ukraine. Pedagogy and Education Management Review (PEMR). 2021, 2 (4), 30–36. https://doi.org/10.36690/2733-2039-2021-2-30

Brändle, M.; Sotiriadou, C.; Zinn, B. Self-Assessments, Attitudes, and Motivational Orientations towards the Use of Digital Media in Teaching a Comparison between Student Teachers of Different Subject Clusters. Heliyon. 2023, 9 (9), e19516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19516

Brunnert, R.; Tausch, M. W. Green Chemistry in STEM Education: Light for Basic Concepts. World J. Chem. Educ. 2023, 11 (3), 65–73. https://doi.org/10.12691/wjce-11-3-8

Cai, Y.; Tang, R. School Support for Teacher Innovation: The Role of Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction. Think. Ski. Creat. 2022, 45, 101096. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2022.101096

Charosky, G.; Hassi, L.; Papageorgiou, K.; Bragós, R. Developing Innovation Competences in Engineering Students: A Comparison of Two Approaches. Eur. J. Eng. Educ. 2022, 47 (2), 353–372. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2021.1968347

Chiu, W. K. Pedagogy of Emerging Technologies in Chemical Education during the Era of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence: A Systematic Review. Educ. Sci. 2021, 11 (11), 709. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11110709

Clark, R. M.; Stabryla, L. M.; Gilbertson, L. M. Use of Active Learning and the Design Thinking Process to Drive Creative Sustainable Engineering Design Solutions. 125th ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition. American Society for Engineering Education. 2018, 21181.

Czok, V.; Krug, M.; Müller, S.; Huwer, J.; Weitzel, H. Learning Effects of Augmented Reality and Game-Based Learning for Science Teaching in Higher Education in the Context of Education for Sustainable Development. Sustain. 2023, 15 (21), 15313. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115313

Droescher, M. Chemistry: The Driving Force for Emerging Technologies. Chemistry International. 2018, 40 (4), 14–17. https://doi.org/10.1515/ci-2018-0405

Dunnigan, K. A.; Dunford, A.; Bringardner, J. From Cornerstone to Capstone: Students’ Design Thinking and Problem Solving. 2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference, ASEE 2020, June 22-26, 30836.

Ellah, B. O.; Achor, E. E.; Enemarie, V. Problem-Solving Skills as Correlates of Attention Span and Working Memory of Low Ability Level Students in Senior Secondary Schools. J. Educ. e-Learning Res. 2019, 6 (3), 135–141. https://doi.org/10.20448/journal.509.2019.63.135.141

Fredagsvik, M. S. The Challenge of Supporting Creativity in Problem-Solving Projects in Science: A Study of Teachers’ Conversational Practices with Students. Res. Sci. Technol. Educ. 2023, 41 (1), 289–305. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2021.1898359

Gomollón-Bel, F. Ten Chemical Innovations That Will Change Our World. Chem. Int. 2020, 42 (4), 3–9. https://doi.org/10.1515/ci-2020-0402

Handayani, D.; Winarni, E. W.; Sundaryono, A.; Firdaus, M. L. Implementation of Project-Based Learning Model with Edmodo Application in the Capita Selecta Chemistry Course. Int. J. Recent Educ. Res. 2021, 2 (2), 184–195. https://doi.org/10.46245/ijorer.v2i2.90

He, P.; Krajcik, J.; Schneider, B. Transforming Standards into Classrooms for Knowledge-in-Use: An Effective and Coherent Project-Based Learning System. Discip. Interdiscip. Sci. Educ. Res. 2023, 5, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-023-00088-z

Hernández-Torrano, D.; Ibrayeva, L. Creativity and Education: A Bibliometric Mapping of the Research Literature (1975–2019). Think. Ski. Creat. 2020, 35, 100625. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2019.100625

Hero, L. M.; Pitkäjärvi, M.; Matinheikki-Kokko, K. Validating an Individual Innovation Competence Assessment Tool for University–Industry Collaboration. Ind. High. Educ. 2021, 35 (4), 485–496. https://doi.org/10.1177/09504222211017447

Jaleniauskiene, E.; Kasperiuniene, J. Infographics in Higher Education: A Scoping Review. E-Learning Digit. Media. 2022, 20 (2), 191–206. https://doi.org/10.1177/20427530221107774

Jenniffer, A. G.; Jenny, J. C.; Balaji, V. P.; Yadav, R. Chemistry Innovations and Ideas from the Classroom to the Real World: The Students’ Perspective on Becoming a Chemistry Entrepreneur. J. Chem. Educ. 2022, 99 (4), 1556–1562. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.1c00133

Kalkbrenner, M.; Horton-Parker, R. Applying John Dewey’s Theory of Education to Infuse Experiential Learning in an Introduction to Human Services Course. J. Hum. Serv. 2016, 36 (1), 65–68.

Kanapathy, S.; Lee, K. E.; Sivapalan, S.; Mokhtar, M.; Syed Zakaria, S. Z.; Mohd Zahidi, A. Sustainable Development Concept in the Chemistry Curriculum: An Exploration of Foundation Students’ Perspective. Int. J. Sustain. High. Educ. 2019, 20 (1), 2–22. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-04-2018-0069

Keinänen, M. M.; Kairisto-Mertanen, L. Researching Learning Environments and Students’ Innovation Competences. Educ. Train. 2019, 61 (1), 17–30. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-03-2018-0064

Kirchhoff, T.; Randler, C.; Großmann, N. Experimenting at an Outreach Science Lab versus at School—Differences in Students’ Basic Need Satisfaction, Intrinsic Motivation, and Flow Experience. J. Res. Sci. Teach. 2023, 60 (10), 2255–2293. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21859

Krab-Hüsken, L. E.; Pei, L.; de Vries, P. G.; Lindhoud, S.; Paulusse, J. M. J.; Jonkheijm, P.; Wong, A. S. Y. Conceptual Modeling Enables Systems Thinking in Sustainable Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. J. Chem. Educ. 2023, 100 (12), 4577–4584. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c00337

Krstikj, A.; Sosa Godina, J.; García Bañuelos, L.; González Peña, O. I.; Quintero Milián, H. N.; Urbina Coronado, P. D.; Vanoye García, A. Y. Analysis of Competency Assessment of Educational Innovation in Upper Secondary School and Higher Education: A Mapping Review. Sustain. 2022, 14 (13). https://doi.org/10.3390/su14138089

Laliyo, L. A. R.; Utina, R.; Husain, R.; Umar, M. K.; Katili, M. R.; Panigoro, C. Evaluating Students’ Ability in Constructing Scientific Explanations on Chemical Phenomena. Eurasia J. Math. Sci. Technol. Educ. 2023, 19 (9), em2328. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/13524

Lenihan, S.; Foley, R.; Carey, W. A.; Duffy, N. B. Developing Engineering Competencies in Industry for Chemical Engineering Undergraduates through the Integration of Professional Work Placement and Engineering Research Project. Educ. Chem. Eng. 2020, 32, 82–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ece.2020.05.002

Lewis, Y. W. S. E. Analytical Chemistry Students’ Explanatory Statements in the Context of Their Corresponding Lecture. Chem. Educ. Res. Pract. 2020, 21 (4), 1183–1198. https://doi.org/10.1039/d0rp00063a

Liliasari, S.; Amsad, L. N.; Wahyudi, A. Innovative Chemistry Education: An Alternative Course Models in the Disruption Era. J. Phys. Conf. Ser. 2021, 1731, 012023. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1731/1/012023

Luo, J. Clothing Color Innovative Fashion Design Thinking Integrating Color Matching Quantum Search Model (CMQSM). Pap. Asia. 2018, 1, 86–90.

Mahaffy, P. G.; Krief, A.; Hopf, H.; Mehta, G.; Matlin, S. A. Reorienting Chemistry Education through Systems Thinking. Nat. Rev. Chem. 2018, 2 (4), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-018-0126

Margallo, M.; Dominguez-Ramos, R.; Aldaco, A. Incorporating Life Cycle Assessment and Ecodesign Tools for Green Chemical Engineering: A Case Study of Competences and Learning Outcomes Assessment. Educ. Chem. Eng. 2019, 26, 89–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ece.2018.08.002

Muna, G. W. Stimulating Students’ Learning in Analytical Chemistry through an Environmental-Based CURE Project. J. Chem. Educ. 2021, 98 (4), 1221–1226. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c01326

Nagpal, N.; Rahmawati, A. M. Y. Integrating Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in Transformation of Teaching and Learning Pedagogy in Education 4.0. In Architecture and Technological Advancements of Education 4.0. 2023; pp 199–228. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-9285-7.ch009

Nasir, N. A.; Kiong, T. T.; Sai’en, S.; Qi, W.; Azid, N.; Singh, C. K. S.; Ichwanto, M. A.; Juhari, M. I. The Effects of Thinking Styles and Inventive Problem-Solving on the Problem-Solving Skills for Design and Technology Students. J. Tech. Educ. Train. 2023, 15 (4), 11–22. https://doi.org/10.30880/jtet.2023.15.04.002

Obada, D. O.; Bako, R. B.; Ahmed, A. S.; Anafi, F. O.; Eberemu, A. O.; Dodoo-Arhin, D.; Oyedeji, A. N.; Salami, K. A.; Samuel, B. O.; Samuel, E. T.; Obada, I. B. Teaching Bioengineering Using a Blended Online Teaching and Learning Strategy: A New Pedagogy for Adapting Classrooms in Developing Countries. Educ. Inf. Technol. 2023, 28 (4), 4649–4672. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11330-y

Obolewicz, J.; Baryłka, A.; Szota, M.; Borkowski, S. Improving Activities in the Processes of Ensuring the Quality of Education in Higher Education Schools and Scientific Institutes. J. Achiev. Mater. Manuf. Eng. 2023, 120 (2), 92–104. https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0054.0110

OECD. PISA 2021 Creative Thinking Framework. Oecd. 2019, 53 (9), 1689–1699.

Ojeda, M. D.; Queiruga-Dios, M. Á.; Velasco-Pérez, N.; López-Iñesta, E.; Vázquez-Dorrío, J. B. Inquiry through Industrial Chemistry in Compulsory Secondary Education for the Achievement of the Development of the 21st Century Skills. Educ. Sci. 2021, 11 (9), 475. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11090475

Ong, E. T.; Singh, C. K. S.; Wahid, R.; Saad, M. I. M. Uncovering Pedagogical Gaps in a Chemistry Classroom: Implications for Teaching and Learning. Int. J. Eval. Res. Educ. 2023, 12 (2), 979–990. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v12i2.23042

Ovbiagbonhia, A. R. Learning to Innovate: How to Foster Innovation Competence in Students of Built Environment at Universities of Applied Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, 2021.

Ovbiagbonhia, A. R.; Kollöffel, B.; Brok, P. den. Educating for Innovation: Students’ Perceptions of the Learning Environment and of Their Own Innovation Competence. Learn. Environ. Res. 2019, 22 (3), 387–407. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10984-019-09280-3

Peeters, H.; Habig, S.; Fechner, S. Does Augmented Reality Help to Understand Chemical Phenomena during Hands-On Experiments?–Implications for Cognitive Load and Learning. Multimodal Technol. Interact. 2023, 7 (2), 9. https://doi.org/10.3390/mti7020009

Peters, M.; Godfrey, C. M.; Khalil, H.; McInerney, P.; Parker, D.; Soares, C. B. Guidance for Conducting Systematic Scoping Reviews. Int. J. Evid. Based. Healthc. 2015, 13 (3), 141–146. https://doi.org/10.1097/XEB.0000000000000050

Ramírez-Montoya, M. S.; Loaiza-Aguirre, M. I.; Zúñiga-Ojeda, A.; Portuguez-Castro, M. Characterization of the Teaching Profile within the Framework of Education 4.0. Futur. Internet. 2021, 13 (4), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3390/fi13040091

Rampersad, G. Robot Will Take Your Job: Innovation for an Era of Artificial Intelligence. J. Bus. Res. 2020, 116 (January), 68–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.05.019

Rusmansyah, R.; Yuanita, L.; Ibrahim, M.; Isnawati; Prahani, B. K. Innovative Chemistry Learning Model: Improving the Critical Thinking Skill and Self-Efficacy of Pre-Service Chemistry Teachers. J. Technol. Sci. Educ. 2019, 9 (1), 59–76. https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.555

Salleh, M. F. M.; Rauf, R. A. A.; Saat, R. M.; Ismail, M. H. Learners’ Issues in the Preparation and Qualitative Analysis of Salts Topics in Chemistry: Teachers’ Perspectives. Eur. J. Sci. Math. Educ. 2023, 11 (3), 392–409. https://doi.org/10.30935/scimath/12789

Shidiq, A. S.; Permanasari, A.; Hernani; Hendayana, S. Contemporary Hybrid Laboratory Pedagogy: Construction of a Simple Spectrophotometer with STEM Project-Based Learning to Introduce Systems Thinking Skills. Asia Pacific J. Educ. Educ. 2022, 37 (2), 107–146. https://doi.org/10.21315/apjee2022.37.2.6

Sinaga, M. S.; Situmorang, M. S.; Hutabarat, W. H. Implementation of Innovative Learning Material to Improve Students Competence on Chemistry. Indian J. Pharm. Educ. Res. 2019, 53 (1), 28–41. https://doi.org/10.5530/ijper.53.1.5

Solodikhina, A. A.; Solodikhina, M. V. Development of Innovative Competence Model and Its Testing in the Course “Techno-Startup.” Integr. Educ. 2023, 27 (2), 289–308. https://doi.org/10.15507/1991-9468.111.027.202302.289-308

Spaan, W.; Oostdam, R.; Schuitema, J.; Pijls, M. Thinking-Back-and-Forth in Practical Work Experienced by Students: Identifying Evidence-Informed Characteristics of Good Practices in Secondary Education. Res. Sci. Technol. Educ. 2023, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2023.2268005

States, N.; Stone, E.; Cole, R. Creating Meaningful Learning Opportunities through Incorporating Local Research into Chemistry Classroom Activities. Educ. Sci. 2023, 13 (2), 192. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13020192

The United States Department of Education. Stem 2026 A Vision for Innovation in Stem Education. U.S. Dep. Educ. Off. Innov. Improv. 2016, 73.

Zubair, A.; Mohammad Ammar Abdellatif Sellami Noora J. Al-Thani. Effective Pedagogical Approaches Used in High School Chemistry Education: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J. Chem. Educ. 2023, 100 (5), 1796–1810. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.2c00739

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Copyright (c) 2025 Eclética Química

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...