Elements to Success in Your Chemistry Course
If you haven't read my post on "5 Steps to Achieving Success in Your Courses" you should check that out first because it all applies to chemistry as well!
I think what makes students feel uneasy about chemistry is that they are not too familiar with the concepts and there are many different types of problems that you could be asked to solve on your test. Here are my tips to help you succeed in your chemistry class:
Tip #1: Go to class!
Now I'm sure this is a little obvious but please go to class!
Your professor will show you how to solve specific types of problems (that you can expect to see on your exam) and they will also show you why they are doing certain things.
It's ok if you don't understand it completely during class, but you can make the most out of your class time by taking the best notes you possibly can. If your professor is writing out a solution, then copy it down. If they highlight something in a particular colour, you can highlight it as well because chances are, it's important!
Try your best to follow along with the class and that way you can ask questions if you are unsure of something later.
Tip #2: Practice!
Let's say you went to class and reviewed the notes afterwards so now you have a general understanding of what was taught.
Do you think at this point you'd be ready for the exam?
No, you wouldn't be (I actually made this mistake on my first midterm in university and want you to learn from my mistakes)!
If you just review what was taught in class, you might be in for a shock while writing the exam because you might not recognize the problems. In class, professors are teaching something to you for the first time. They might use more basic examples to show you how to solve something. That doesn't mean the basic examples will be the ones that show up on the exam.
After reviewing your notes, you need to do as much practice as you have time. After each class, you can do any assigned practice problems in your textbook for example.
If you are writing the solutions out and come across something that you got wrong, highlight that question or the part you did incorrectly so you can review it while studying for your exam to ensure you understand it.
Then if an exam is coming up soon, plan in advance for when you will be able to fit in more practice problems and/or previous exams (if made available to you). Especially before an exam, the more practice you do, the better you will do on the exam.
You will not only feel more confident going into your exam, but you'll also be a lot better at recognizing certain problems and you'll know what to do!
Tip #3: Show up to labs!
Labs usually aren't very difficult, the hard part is to remember you have them! Schedule labs into your phone with reminders to set your alarm if you have a lab in the morning. Always make sure you have the appropriate attire with you before leaving for a lab (lab coat, socks, closed-toe shoes, glasses).
Once at the lab, you might be tempted to simply rely on a lab partner for answering questions, but try to see if you can answer them yourself first. It helps if you come prepared by reading the lab before coming and completing your pre-lab worksheet if you have been assigned one.
If you are still not sure what to do, then don't be afraid to ask your TAs for help. They are there to help you and it'll make your experience with chemistry a better one since you'll actually be able to understand what is going on and how to answer questions after speaking with them.
Looking to study effectively? This video will help you take great notes online using Google Docs!
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