Navigating Electrochemistry: Challenges and Coping Strategies of Engineering Students

Abstract

The research examines engineering students' difficulties in electrochemistry and how they manage these challenges. Electrochemistry is a core but challenging subject in engineering education, which tends to be difficult because of its abstractness, mathematical nature, and laboratory component. Even though it is crucial in many engineering contexts, students struggle to comprehend central ideas, apply reaction quotient and electrochemical equations problems, and extend abstract knowledge to laboratory situations. This study endeavors to determine the particular learning difficulties faced by students in engineering and examine the coping strategies they utilize. With a qualitative study design, an FGD was held with 12 students who had finished the Chemistry for Engineers course. Thematic analysis of the data indicated five main challenges: conceptual complexity, mathematical complexity, laboratory constraints, insufficient prior knowledge and resources, and emotional stress due to academic pressures. To manage these issues, students employed various coping mechanisms, including collaborative learning with peer interaction, reliance on web-based learning materials such as YouTube and electronic textbooks, independent study techniques such as working on problems in practice and mnemonics, and motivational strategies aiming towards perseverance. The study concludes that instructional-focused materials, improved laboratory facilities, and systematic academic support systems are required to improve the education of electrochemistry among engineering students. Such evidence has important implications for teachers and curriculum developers based on the imperative for pedagogical improvements targeting scholarly and psychological requirements to drive student learning success.