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Ashley Fang 2G
Posts: 102
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2019 12:17 am

Personally I find that every time I read the textbook, I tend to fall asleep because it's just that long and boring, especially when you're new to the material.
What I usually will do however is take notes of the summary and important formulas/equations. Once I have grasped the basic concepts, I will then go back to read the book in chunks for further explaining. Otherwise, reading it all at once does get pretty intimidating.
Hope that helped!

Mitchell Koss 4G
Posts: 128
Joined: Sat Jul 20, 2019 12:17 am

I believe the material is based on what is covered in class, but the textbook gives you more applications and examples to help better understand the topics.

selatran1h
Posts: 52
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2019 12:16 am

I personally think reading the textbook helps a lot since it helps to clarify certain conceptual topics that are difficult or were not covered as much in lecture. The textbook also has a lot of sample problems that are helpful when doing homework.

Kavee Dodampahala 4E
Posts: 51
Joined: Sat Jul 20, 2019 12:17 am

Reading the textbook helps me understand the concepts at my own pace. I find it really useful!

Angela Prince 1J
Posts: 102
Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:17 am

ktran Disc 1I wrote:Are there a lot of topics in the book that are not covered during lecture that show up on tests?

I don't think so. I think everything that will be on a test will be covered in lecture or otherwise noted in the outlines for each topic.

AveryAgosto
Posts: 76
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:16 am

I would recommend reading the textbook to facilitate what is taught in lecture. If you don't feel confident about a certain topic reading the chapter and reading along with the examples in the chapter is really helpful.

BSolano_3A
Posts: 7
Joined: Tue Nov 13, 2018 12:18 am

Honestly I personally skim it over and just try to teach myself online through youtube, khan academy, and websites as such. Don't let fear get in the way of you achieving what you want. Head up mate and keep grinding.

Jose Robles 1D
Posts: 100
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:15 am

Honestly I feel the same way when engaging in reading, but I find study groups make the experience more bearable. When I'm with a few committed friends I feel relaxed and motivated to finish the readings. Plus, if you don't get something you can just ask them on the spot to discuss key ideas.

Alan Cornejo 1a
Posts: 98
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2019 12:15 am

Jessica Li 1F wrote:I used these for my AP Chemistry class in high school, but I think they have some college-level chem as well:
https://chem.libretexts.org/

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the links provided !

005162520
Posts: 101
Joined: Tue Sep 24, 2019 12:17 am

When reading from the textbook, what should you take notes on? Or rather what should you focus on?

Liliana Aguas 3G
Posts: 59
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:20 am

What do you guys recommend when reading the textbook? Because it can get really confusing and I don't understand what to take notes on. Also, should we read them before class and take notes or after lecture?

Jasmine Kim 1L
Posts: 71
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:16 am

005162520 wrote:When reading from the textbook, what should you take notes on? Or rather what should you focus on?

It's different for everyone. I usually focus on the bolded words and formulas since those are usually what we have to know. However, if I don't understand something, I read the paragraphs that cover the topic and maybe look at an example for it. I also like looking at the pictures and diagrams on the side and reading the captions, partly because my eye just immediately goes towards those when I look at a new page. Diagrams are usually helpful because they visualize the concepts we're learning and I like visual learning.

Jasmine Kim 1L
Posts: 71
Joined: Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:16 am

Liliana Aguas 3G wrote:What do you guys recommend when reading the textbook? Because it can get really confusing and I don't understand what to take notes on. Also, should we read them before class and take notes or after lecture?

I think we can read the textbook whenever we want. If you prefer to learn the topics on your own and have the lectures reinforce your knowledge, then read them before class. If you like to learn from the professor first and then read over the topics to review or answer any questions you had during the lecture, then after. If you don't know yet, try each method for a week and see which one you prefer. Same for the textbook notes. Just figure out what works for you. You can take notes on everything, or maybe just the stuff you think you'll have a hard time remembering.

If you can't really understand the textbook, just use other methods of learning, like Khan Academy or other websites. Use the textbook or lecture notes to figure out what topics you need to know, and then learn about them from another source.

Megan_1F
Posts: 49
Joined: Thu Jul 25, 2019 12:16 am

I tried reading the textbook but I find that a lot of the material is more detailed than what we were taught in class. Should we base our material off of lecture or the textbook?

Rich Zodda 4B
Posts: 45
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:21 am

Are the lectures enough for the midterms or are we expected to read from the textbook too?

Alan Cornejo 1a
Posts: 98
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2019 12:15 am

reading the textbook is an obvious super helpful tool, to better go in depth as to what you are learning and practice.

Mitchell Koss 4G
Posts: 128
Joined: Sat Jul 20, 2019 12:17 am

Not necessarily but some topics are laid out differently which helps with understanding lecture material.

Angela Prince 1J
Posts: 102
Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:17 am

KTran 1I wrote:Are there a lot of topics in the book that are not covered during lecture that show up on tests?

I don't think topics not covered during lecture will ever show up on any exam.

Angela Prince 1J
Posts: 102
Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:17 am

Are the hw problems for week 5 from the quantum topic set still or from the chemical bonds set?

Yailin Romo 4G
Posts: 109
Joined: Wed Feb 20, 2019 12:16 am

I find it most helpful when I Read the textbook because it has detailed explanations of how to carry out out the problems along with examples, steps, and answers. Yes, it is overwhelming at time but what I try to do is learn or read one section per day so I dont stress about having to read and learn all of them at once.

Posts: 102
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:18 am

From what I have seen, the topics covered in lecture correlate to what appears on the test. If anything, the textbook may go into more detail than need, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, in terms of maximizing studying, I would rely more on the notes from lecture. Hope this helps!

Patricia Cardenas
Posts: 103
Joined: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:17 am

I also find it intimidating to read the textbook for review, I find one way to motivate yourself to do so is to read a page then look up videos on that subject to make sure you understand it, and then continue reading.

Areli C 1L
Posts: 95
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2018 12:19 am

I've definitely have been in your shoes before. If the reading feels a intimidating, you should watch some youtube videos first about the concept so you won't go in blind. After that, as you go back to the reading it will feel more familiar and less intimidating!

Posts: 75
Joined: Tue Sep 10, 2019 12:16 am

going to be honest, I only use the textbook to get homework/practice problems. to me, too much reading makes it confusing, so I mainly utilize my lecture notes and do lots of practice.

Jaklin Astvatsatryan
Posts: 91
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:18 am

guys i really recommend watching videos, esp my visual learners. start problems and try doing them without notes and then watch videos if you're really stuck.

Liliana Aguas 3G
Posts: 59
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:20 am

Jasmine Kim 3H wrote:
Liliana Aguas 3G wrote:What do you guys recommend when reading the textbook? Because it can get really confusing and I don't understand what to take notes on. Also, should we read them before class and take notes or after lecture?

I think we can read the textbook whenever we want. If you prefer to learn the topics on your own and have the lectures reinforce your knowledge, then read them before class. If you like to learn from the professor first and then read over the topics to review or answer any questions you had during the lecture, then after. If you don't know yet, try each method for a week and see which one you prefer. Same for the textbook notes. Just figure out what works for you. You can take notes on everything, or maybe just the stuff you think you'll have a hard time remembering.

If you can't really understand the textbook, just use other methods of learning, like Khan Academy or other websites. Use the textbook or lecture notes to figure out what topics you need to know, and then learn about them from another source.

THANK YOU SO MUCH

RichBollini4G
Posts: 100
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:18 am

J_Rodriguez_Dis2k wrote:I know that in the course reader it says to read chapter 5 for a review for gases. But every time i try reading the textbook i get intimidated and i stop reading the textbook . Do you guys find it more helpful when you guys read the textbook?

Yes, although I would agree sometimes it is confusing, it is also good to look over the text book. Looking at the practice problems also helps.

RichBollini4G
Posts: 100
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:18 am

Jaklin Astvatsatryan wrote:guys i really recommend watching videos, esp my visual learners. start problems and try doing them without notes and then watch videos if you're really stuck.

this really helped me, thank you!

Naren_Ramesh_4F
Posts: 105
Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2019 12:18 am

I personally would recommend going over the textbook. Although there are some topics are not covered in the scope of the class, the textbook presents a different way of looking at a concept.

505106414
Posts: 55
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:17 am

I have had a problem on a test that had an answer that was only covered in the textbook, not in lecture at all. So, I would say definitely at least skim the textbook chapters.

bloodorangefield
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:19 am

The textbook does have a lot of extra information that may not be covered, but it's a good comprehensive guide and the practice problems it introduces are good to do before midterms and finals.

Posts: 58
Joined: Thu Jul 25, 2019 12:15 am

The textbook has more examples and some problems with each step of the calculations shown so it is helpful to look over the section before and/or after lecture

bloodorangefield
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:19 am

I definitely feel that the textbook has a lot of information that the finals and tests won't cover.

Ian Morris 3C
Posts: 101
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:18 am

i would use the textbook only when i am completely lost on a topic. so fair it has worked out for me

Patricia Cardenas
Posts: 103
Joined: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:17 am

J_Rodriguez_Dis2k wrote:I know that in the course reader it says to read chapter 5 for a review for gases. But every time i try reading the textbook i get intimidated and i stop reading the textbook . Do you guys find it more helpful when you guys read the textbook?

If you find yourself intimidated by the textbook, I recommend seeing the outlines Lavelle posts on his website and watching videos about each learning objective listed. Also, going through your notes and attending peer learning sessions is helpful as well.

Karen Elrayes 1L
Posts: 31
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:45 pm

How is everyone going about reading the textbook? Are you guys taking notes while reading? Just reading through it and doing the problems?

Karen Elrayes 1L
Posts: 31
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:45 pm

Also are you guys reading all the fundamentals or only the ones recommended in the syllabus?

Catherine Bubser 2C
Posts: 40
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:45 pm

I'm reading the fundamentals and the recommended textbook sections but only because its been years since I've taken chemistry and I need a refresher.

Joshua Eidam 3D
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:58 pm

Has anyone else ordered a textbook from the campus bookstore and it still hasn't arrived? I am not really sure what to do about it because I already spent the money on it but we are going to be needing the textbooks more and more. Does anyone know of a place online where I can find it? Thanks.

James Patanian 2C
Posts: 39
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:55 pm

KTran 1I wrote:Are there a lot of topics in the book that are not covered during lecture that show up on tests?

I don’t think so. Anything not mentioned in lecture or on assigned hw shouldn’t be on tests. However, the additional learning and reviewing that Dr. Lavelle emphasizes are probably essential to understanding the lectures. Especially since I never took AP Chem and forgot Honors Chem, this applies to me but not to everyone equally.

505598869
Posts: 40
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:43 pm

I find it beneficial to read the book even if I don't understand it the first time through. The more I hear a concept the more it will make sense. After reading the book, a concept I wasn't understanding might come up in a lecture and I might be able to make sense of it by relating it back to what I read in the book.

Posts: 38
Joined: Sun Oct 04, 2020 12:15 am

I have a quick question. I know that for other classes you can get away with just skimming through the texts, but I was wondering if for chem you guys literally read every page. I feel like it's so dense I don't even know where to start to take notes or what's important.

Megan ODonnell 1K
Posts: 35
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:39 pm

I find it helpful, especially when learning the different equations, constants, and their applications. If you don't like doing the readings, though, there are multiple other ways in which you can learn the material

Jamie2002
Posts: 45
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:55 pm

I definitely relate to getting intimidated by reading the textbook but it is a really helpful resource. The content might be dense but try to space out your readings so that you can focus more!

Posts: 39
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 10:01 pm

What if we don't really read the book and just skim? Does reading the book make difference? Is everything cover in the lectures?

Jaclyn Dang 3A
Posts: 45
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 10:02 pm

As stated before, reading the textbook is not required, but may help develop an indepth understanding of the topics. If you dont want to read the book I would recommend skimming it or referring back to it if you get confused!

905579227
Posts: 31
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 10:01 pm

Does anyone know how we should study for the midterms and how they are ven going to be formatted. Also what will we be allowed to use on ther midterm. I feel like its right around the corner and i am freaking out. Also if anyone is on campus please let me know because I would love a study buddy. Do we have to study the text book on our own or do we just need to know what Lavelle lectures on.

Joshua Eidam 3D
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:58 pm

I ordered the textbooks required for Chem 14A from the UCLA bookstore but they are insanely back ordered I think because I still have not been contacted to get them. Does anyone know of another way to access the textbook? I know we are going to be needing it more and more as the quarter continues. Thanks

Michelle Nguyen 2C
Posts: 37
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 10:03 pm

For me, I usually read the textbook after going through the lectures. The lectures have everything condensed so that it is easier to grasp the concepts when you read the textbook for more specific details. It's really easy to get lost in the vocabulary and equations (as well as the formatting) of the textbook, so listening to lectures first makes it easier to read the textbook.

Javier Perez M 2J
Posts: 34
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:52 pm

Most definitely, when you don't understand something its good to consult the textbook. If that doesn't work ask TAs and UAs. If you can't reach them then just look it up in the internet there could be articles or videos on the topic.

Javier Perez M 2J
Posts: 34
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:52 pm

I think reading the textbook is sometimes more of a supplement when not understanding things, however it better to read it to better grasp the concepts or engrave them into your memory.

305614361
Posts: 35
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:42 pm

For anyone struggling with this, I usually use Khan Academy, whenever I don't feel like reading the textbook and also go to office hours

Nathaly Cruz 2D
Posts: 39
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 10:06 pm

I know it's pretty late to ask this. I completely bombed my first midterm and I was looking for ways to improve my second midterm. I keep seeing that the textbook is really good for extra practice and explanations. Could someone please explain where to find the textbook?

LeahSWM
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Sep 30, 2020 9:47 pm