Who does not have difficulty when studying chemistry? In fact, chemistry is indeed one of those materials that is not easy to understand, especially if you don't know the correct method to study it. Although there are no shortcuts to mastering chemistry, at least you can learn the best methods to prepare yourself before entering Chemistry class. Armed with adequate preparation, surely your understanding of the various concepts in the science will increase.
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Method 1 of 4: Preparing for Chemistry Class
Step 1. Hone your math skills
Basically, there are different types of formulas and equations that you need to solve in the process of studying chemistry. Therefore, if you don't remember how to work on logarithms and/or quadratic equations, try refining your ability to solve algebraic equations, especially since they can help you solve many problems in chemistry. In particular, some of the concepts you should master are:
- Algebraic equations (writing and solving them)
- Exponent
- Negative numbers
- Scientific notation
- Fraction or fraction
- Logarithm
Step 2. Learn how to read and understand the periodic table and its trends
Studying the chemical elements is one of the most important factors to ensure your success in Chemistry class. Just as you will find it difficult to learn mathematics if you don't know the difference between numbers, similar problems can arise if you are not able to read and understand the contents of the periodic table in chemistry. In addition, you must understand the trends of the periodic table to learn more complicated concepts. Some of the trends you need to understand are:
- Electronegativity
- Ionization energy
- Atomic Radius
- Electron affinity
Step 3. Learn important concepts in chemistry and understand how to solve problems step by step, starting with understanding the metric system, scientific method, chemical nomenclature, and atomic structure
In fact, many people find chemistry difficult to learn because they don't really understand very basic concepts before moving on to more complex theories.
- Most of the basic concepts in chemistry can be found on various academic sites that provide free learning materials.
- You can also find various guidebooks for learning the basic concepts of chemistry in major bookstores.
- Record drafts manually. Research shows that manually recorded concepts are easier to remember.
Step 4. Create an information card
When you find new information, immediately include it on an information card. In particular, this method is suitable for remembering the periodic table and various other principles. Every week, read the information card several times so that the information in it is always fresh in your memory.
Step 5. Learn mnemonic techniques
In particular, try to analogize each element as a different symbol, such as an apple, ball, or other object that comes to mind when you imagine that element. Although it seems contradictory, the information associated with certain objects is easier to remember, you know!
Step 6. Think three-dimensionally
The trick is to use visual aids to understand the text being studied. Even though you have been trained to read textbooks containing two-dimensional images of molecules, understand that chemistry is actually a three-dimensional world. Therefore, try to use three-dimensional models when studying or train your brain to imagine various molecular structures in three dimensions.
The University of Liverpool has a site called ChemTube 3D which provides animations and interactive structures on various chemical concepts. You can even access it from your phone or tablet, lo
Method 2 of 4: Reading Textbooks
Step 1. Choose a quality textbook and cover various concepts that are important for you to know
Don't choose a book that looks easy because in the end, you still need to learn various important principles in chemistry thoroughly in order to be able to understand them well. To find quality textbooks, try asking your teacher for recommendations and looking for them in bookstores.
Step 2. Answer the questions you find
To practice your problem solving skills, try to answer all the questions or problems that you find. In fact, these problems are inserted in the material to strengthen your understanding of the theory or concept being studied. Therefore, don't hesitate to do it until you manage to find the right answer and understand the underlying concept.
Step 3. Don't just scan the material
Basically, you have to understand the principles in chemistry to understand them well. Therefore, if there is something you do not understand, take as much time as possible to solve it. If necessary, use the index help to find answers to things that are difficult for you to understand.
If you're still having trouble, try finding a tutor or asking a friend who is good at chemistry for help. If you don't mind, you can also ask your teacher for help, you know! The trick, just write down all the questions that come to your mind when studying the material, then ask your teacher the next day
Step 4. Ask questions about the formulas you learned
When learning a new formula, don't hesitate to ask questions to simplify the process of understanding the concept. Remember, simply remembering formulas won't help you to apply them correctly in a lab or exam. Therefore, try asking the following questions when learning a new formula:
- What system or change does the formula describe?
- What do these variables mean and what are the types of units? (Knowing the type of unit can help you understand what to do next.)
- When was the formula applied and how was it applied?
- What is the significance?
Method 3 of 4: Experimenting in a Chemistry Laboratory
Step 1. Practice the concepts you have learned
Remember, the opportunity to practice all the concepts you have learned in the laboratory should not be wasted, especially as doing so can strengthen your understanding in Chemistry class. In fact, some people understand the material better if they put it into practice, rather than just reading the theory.
Step 2. Try to understand the relationship between lab work and the theory you learn in books
Basically, laboratory practicum is designed as a tool to support your learning process in Chemistry class. Therefore, pay close attention to all instructions and assignments given before and after the practicum, especially since the information will most likely come out in the exam.
Step 3. Apply your scientific method through practical activities
Chemistry is a branch of science that commonly tests its concepts or methods in a science laboratory. Therefore, if your teacher schedules a practicum activity, don't hesitate to follow it in order to practice all the methods that have been studied through experimentation. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to hone your knowledge of geometry and equations in a fun way!
Method 4 of 4: Building a Good Study Routine
Step 1. Study for at least one hour per day
Reviewing material regularly can help strengthen your understanding of an area of knowledge. However, understand that studying for a short duration each day will give more maximum results than studying all day before the exam starts.
- Just as an athlete constantly trains his sports skills to have a better performance, you must also constantly learn in order to have a better understanding of chemistry.
- Because every concept in chemistry is related, if there is one concept that you don't really understand, chances are you will have a hard time understanding other concepts that are built from that concept.
Step 2. Complete all the assigned tasks
Remember, doing assignments or homework in Chemistry class is an important part of the process of understanding concepts and completing exams well. Plus, your assignment grades will probably make up a huge part of your overall grade for the rest of the semester! If you don't do the given task, you will most likely have difficulty understanding the concept, even failing the exam. Therefore, make sure you complete all the assigned tasks on time.
If you don't understand how to do an assignment, try meeting your teacher during their working hours for help and/or a more detailed explanation
Step 3. Attend the entire lesson
Even if absenteeism won't affect your grades, skipping a single session can make you miss class, and risk affecting your ability to understand certain concepts. Therefore, if possible, attend the entire class and do not be absent, unless you are very sick or have other emergency needs.
- If you really have to be absent, try borrowing a note from a friend who was present that day. Therefore, make sure you have exchanged phone numbers or email addresses with some of your classmates at the start of the school year to make sure there is someone to call in these situations.
- Make sure you also convey this information via email to the lecturer in question. If there is a quiz that day, your teacher may allow you to take a follow-up quiz during their working hours. If you have any questions or need help, don't hesitate to visit your teacher during their working hours.
Step 4. Record the material being taught
Basically, taking notes is a simple method to strengthen your memory. Therefore, when you are studying in class, don't hesitate to write down all the important concepts explained by your teacher. Also record the main idea in each material in a notebook. Even if you think you understand or remember it, keep writing it down because it will definitely come in handy later on, especially if you suddenly forget the material.
Step 5. Have a study buddy
In most cases, two heads are much better than one. Some people also find it helpful to study the material if they have a study buddy. Therefore, if there is material that makes you difficult, try inviting one or more friends to study with you. Most likely, they can help explain the material in a way that is easier to understand. On the other hand, you can also explain some concepts to make it easier for them to understand, as well as sharpen your knowledge.
Step 6. Discuss with your teacher
Meet your teacher during office hours and ask about any material you don't understand. Don't worry, a good teacher won't mind giving their students the extra help their students need. Most importantly, don't do it on the spur of the moment and expect to receive an answer, like at 10:45 the night before the exam!
Chances are, your teacher will also give you copies of old exam questions that you can study. This way, you can identify the types of questions that might appear during the exam, without knowing the specific questions that need to be answered
Tips
- There's no need to stress when you make mistakes. Remember, mistakes and failures are a very important part of the learning process. After all, you're not the only one who did it, really!
- Study for about 15 hours per week if you take a Chemistry class.
- Take a rest! Remember, it takes energy and excellent brain power to study chemistry. Therefore, rest as much as possible before starting to study.
- When taking a test, try to solve the question with the highest score first. This will give you more time to focus on the question.
