Study routine.
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Study routine.
In order to do well on exams, what is your study routine? How much should I read (or is it possible to just follow lecture material and youtube)?
I noticed that my study routine was ineffective as went to too many workshops and didn't learn anything new, and did not focus on redoing hw problems and reading.
I noticed that my study routine was ineffective as went to too many workshops and didn't learn anything new, and did not focus on redoing hw problems and reading.
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Re: Study routine.
I think the best thing for me is just practice. So workshops and step up sessions were great for extra practice, but also just going over the outlines and doing all the homework problems over again. Also just focusing on specific equations or topics that i know I need more help on.
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Re: Study routine.
Going over the outlines can be really helpful for me. I also like to reread my notes right after lectures to make sure I understand and can remember all of the new material.
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Re: Study routine.
I would also agree with lots of practice! I know Lavelle mentioned this quarter was going to consist of more problem solving than last quarter so I think it would be especially helpful to get more practice in as a study tool.
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Re: Study routine.
I go to workshops often and review the hw, but I definitely need to do more textbook problems for practice
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Re: Study routine.
Hi! I definitely think that, as boring as it might be at times, reading the textbook really has been the most helpful thing for me. There are a lot of great explanations in there! UA sessions are also extremely helpful with further explanations.
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Re: Study routine.
Going over the outline is very helpful! It leads me to the right direction of which things I should focus on. I then practice the textbook problems so that I know how to tackle those types of problems if they were to appear on an exam. It truly is all about practicing and creating a habit out of it.
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Re: Study routine.
Personally, I used to outline and read the textbook but I found that that was ineffective for me because the textbook explanations are usually very wordy and complex. I started going to workshops which was a GAME CHANGER for me. Honestly, I used struggle a lot on textbook problems on my own, but after going to workshops I find that the UAs usually cover those complicated problems. I only go to ONE a week though and I think that is more than enough (sometimes I even have to end up leaving early). I keep up with lectures and try to do one section of textbook problems a day (like today I did all the problems in 4C). While I am going through them, if I see that I have trouble with any of the problems, or if I see any I really like, I take note of them. Then, when I start studying for midterms, I use those textbook problems to test myself. Hope this helps!!!
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Re: Study routine.
I try to go to at least a few workshops each week even if I am not completely familiar with the material because they explain it really well and it provides great problems to practice before the exams. I always do the outline problems (I believe he said two of the longer questions from the midterm were from homework problems). I also try to spread out the studying throughout the week so I don't cram for the exam.
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Re: Study routine.
Hi! Really good question that I can relate to. I love the advice other people gave above! What works for me is having priorities for what preparation you want to do. First, we know that textbook problems are really important to get done and to understand well. So I would say once you watch lectures for a week, get started on the outlines and work through the problems. Star the questions you think you want to review and come back to them again! I have also found that readings help me understand the more conceptual topics, as well as common problem solving techniques. In addition to this, since we also have to get Sapling done, use it as another resource to study problem solving methods. Alongside these practice resources, I would advise going to Step Up Sessions if you think they work for you. They have helped me even when I am confident on some topics because it helps hearing different people's explanations of concepts. At this point, you have done all the fundamental work for an upcoming midterm/final. Evaluate your growth and progress in learning the material by going through the points on the outlines - having a general idea of how to answer each bullet point will really solidify your studying. If you are looking for more practice, then I would suggest going to workshops, but try not to overload yourself with more than 1-3 a week. Each workshop and UA is unique and helpful in their own ways, so go to sessions where you seem to click with their explanations and teaching style. Anyway, I said a lot but I hope it helps! You got this! We're all still learning what methods of studying work best and it's definitely a process, but just continue picking yourself up from any tough studying days and keeping what works/changing what doesn't. Good luck! Sending all of you the best vibes for the rest of the quarter's exams.
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Re: Study routine.
Hi!
The Chem 14 series has really taught me what works for me and what doesn't in terms of studying, but I think I've figured it out. What I like to do is try and read/take notes on the material that will be covered in lecture the next day (so reading the chapter first then watching the lecture). Reading ahead not only makes me feel that I am up to pace with the class but attending lecture that is about material I recently learned only solidifies my knowledge. I always try to do all of the textbook problems (though I usually don't finish due to other responsibilities). If I cannot finish the textbook problems, I ensure that I at least complete Sapling and write out my work to give me a better step by step understanding of the material!
The Chem 14 series has really taught me what works for me and what doesn't in terms of studying, but I think I've figured it out. What I like to do is try and read/take notes on the material that will be covered in lecture the next day (so reading the chapter first then watching the lecture). Reading ahead not only makes me feel that I am up to pace with the class but attending lecture that is about material I recently learned only solidifies my knowledge. I always try to do all of the textbook problems (though I usually don't finish due to other responsibilities). If I cannot finish the textbook problems, I ensure that I at least complete Sapling and write out my work to give me a better step by step understanding of the material!
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Re: Study routine.
Hello! In the week before last midterm I redid all of the homework problems. This was very helpful, and I highly recommend doing this. I went to the UA sessions when there was something in the lecture that I did not understand. If I understood everything, I focused on individual practice instead. I did not read the textbook enough for the last midterm, so I would also recommend doing that.
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Re: Study routine.
I think what helps me most is actually practicing problems rather than just reading the textbook. Of course following along the examples in the textbook is useful, but I find the step-up sessions and workshops to be the best because they clearly walk you through the problems and you can ask any questions you might have. So, I try to go to as many of those as possible as well as try to complete all the textbook problems listed on the outline since he draws from those to make the tests.
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Re: Study routine.
Definitely read the book. A lot of the midterm and final content is straight from the book and sometimes Dr. Lavelle will spend little or no time on a topic he puts in the exams during his lectures.
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Re: Study routine.
I noticed this hasn't been said yet in this thread but I love watching The Organic Chemistry Tutor's videos on Youtube! He goes over a lot of fundamental topics and useful calculations that will help you understand the material better!
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Re: Study routine.
In my experience, passively reading the textbook or watching the video doesn't help much because it's too passive and you can get easily distracted. When you do practice problems, it forces you to focus.
Re: Study routine.
If you feel like you aren't learning anything new at the workshops, don't go to too many. Focus on the difficult textbook problems and make sure you can do those.
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Re: Study routine.
Hi! I love doing as many practice problems as I can. I aim to go through all the textbook problems before the exam, because they're such a good barometer for what we need to know. Also, go to workshops each week! It's a good way to stay on top of the material and challenge yourself! Also, they make great practice problems for when you're reviewing! Hope this helps!
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Re: Study routine.
In my experience, reading the textbook really helps me understand the material conceptually. I also try to do the textbook problems and redo them until I can get the answer without any help. Last, the UA workshops are very useful as well.
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Re: Study routine.
Reading the textbook is so underrated. I feel like workshops are for extra practice, but this isn't really helpful if you don't understand the conceptual stuff behind the problems first. I find that the textbook explains concepts really well in a way that makes sense, plus if you put your mind to it, it doesn't take very long to read the recommended sections either. This is helpful in the case that on the exam a couple of tricky, weird problems come up and you haven't seen anything like them before. If you have the conceptual foundations, any problem should be possible in my opinion :) Hope this helps!
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Re: Study routine.
My routine is to spread out the different sections on the outlines over a few days. I like to read the textbook and take notes on the main concepts then attempt the practice problems for that section. When I check my work I make sure to pay attention to which problems I get wrong and what common mistakes I make.
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Re: Study routine.
As other people have said, I think the best way to go is to do all the homework problems in the outlines and make sure you understand how to do them. I also find it helpful to explain concepts out loud to people or write them out.
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Re: Study routine.
I would try to do lots of practice problems throughout the weeks before the midterm (not just doing them all right before the midterm; I've done it and for me at least it is not as effective).
I think that if you are not doing well when reading the textbook, you should try to listen to videos (Khan Academy, etc.) that explain these topics in a different way. That being said, watching outside videos is a bit tricky because it could cover things that we don't learn or don't cover deep enough.
Maybe try to study with friends (or if you already do and it's not working, then study alone?). Those study sessions with UAs and office hours are good to go to as well.
I think that if you are not doing well when reading the textbook, you should try to listen to videos (Khan Academy, etc.) that explain these topics in a different way. That being said, watching outside videos is a bit tricky because it could cover things that we don't learn or don't cover deep enough.
Maybe try to study with friends (or if you already do and it's not working, then study alone?). Those study sessions with UAs and office hours are good to go to as well.
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Re: Study routine.
I focus on making sure I know how to explain every concept on the outlines that any exam covers. I watch youtube videos to clear up any troubles I'm having in regards to understanding material and attend lots of step-up review sessions in the weeks leading up to the exam as well. Usually, I do textbook problems throughout exam week just to make sure everything is fresh in my mind too!
Re: Study routine.
I usually make sure I have watched and understood each of the lectures that regard the topics at hand. Then, if I am at all confused I will usually write the topics down separately and take my own notes from the textbook. Then I do practice problems for all of the topics and usually attend a review session or step up session if possible just to make sure I have it locked in.
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Re: Study routine.
I feel like because the tests are almost all based off calculations you have to do on the spot, practicing the steps is the most effective. Experiencing different problems through Khan Academy, lectures, sapling, and the textbook should give you a good confidence for when the exam comes again.
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Re: Study routine.
Hi!
I typically do read the textbook (or skim), but after taking a couple of the tests in this class, I realized that Dr. Lavelle's lectures cover enough for us to solve the textbook problems. While the class continues, I complete a certain number of textbook problems per week (so I'm not cramming right before the test). I also attend workshops weekly, as they give me the best picture of what problems on the midterm might look like. In terms of a couple of days before the test, I re-do textbook problems I thought was hard, call a friend and review concepts from lectures, and review the workshops (Justin's workshops are incredible)!
Hope this helps!
I typically do read the textbook (or skim), but after taking a couple of the tests in this class, I realized that Dr. Lavelle's lectures cover enough for us to solve the textbook problems. While the class continues, I complete a certain number of textbook problems per week (so I'm not cramming right before the test). I also attend workshops weekly, as they give me the best picture of what problems on the midterm might look like. In terms of a couple of days before the test, I re-do textbook problems I thought was hard, call a friend and review concepts from lectures, and review the workshops (Justin's workshops are incredible)!
Hope this helps!
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Re: Study routine.
Reading the textbook and doing as many practice problems as possible is super beneficial for the exam. Attending UA sessions are to your favor as well!
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Re: Study routine.
I usually go to step up sessions and workshops, especially if I don't understand the lectures very much lol.
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Re: Study routine.
I find the textbook problems very helpful, especially writing down specifically what I did wrong so I can reread it and know not to make that specific mistake again.
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Re: Study routine.
I personally find that doing as many practice problems as possible is the most effective way for me to study. So, whether that's doing textbook problems or going to workshop sessions. I also like rewriting my notes as i re-read them. Just the key details, which helps me see the big picture.
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Re: Study routine.
Personally, I find the homework questions from the outline to be a very good study technique. You can review the ones you struggle on over and over and once you have a good grip on these you should be pretty good for the test. Also, a lot of times Dr. Lavelle sneaks some of these questions into the test, so its good to know how to do them.
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Re: Study routine.
My best resources have definitely been practice problems and the UA sessions. Someone posted a very useful study guide that briefly summed up each of the core concepts from each section in the textbook.
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Re: Study routine.
I say dont overthink and just understand the basics. practice sapling and hw textbook problems.
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Re: Study routine.
I try to watch the lectures as soon as they are released and do the homework problems by the end of each week. This quarter I decided to focus more on reviewing the homework problems before the midterm, which helped me a lot since most questions were similar.
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Re: Study routine.
i think keeping up with the lectures as they are released has really helped me. Also doing textbook problems is a good way to practice other than sapling. Lastly, try to attend as many review sessions as possible.
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Re: Study routine.
Honestly watching the lectures after reading the textbook, then going back to do the textbook problems is really helpful.
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Re: Study routine.
For me, going through the outlines is what I find the most helpful for this class
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Re: Study routine.
I always make sure I'm caught up on lectures and hw early. Spaced repetition is really helpful when it comes to memorizing concepts.
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Re: Study routine.
For me, going through the outlines is what I find the most helpful for this class
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Re: Study routine.
I think the most important aspect in preparing for exams would be redoing the textbook and homework problems, and I even remember seeing a few of the homework problems on the actual exam. Furthermore, it is a good thing that you went to those workshops, but relying on them alone is not the best idea. Still, they are a great resource, especially if you do not understand the material that well! If all else fails, organic chemistry tutor always got your back. Hope this helps!
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Re: Study routine.
For me, I generally read the book and make an outline of the topics. From there, I do the assigned practice problems several times until I can do it by myself without any help.
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Re: Study routine.
Personally, I like to do the textbook problems during the week leading up to the day of the exam and then review all of them on the day of the exam to make sure I know how to do all of them. I also read the textbook and find helpful YouTube videos on topics that I'm not 100% comfortable with. Another thing I find really helpful is explaining certain problems and answering questions on Chemistry Community even if I don't understand the problem/question myself at first. It forces me to completely figure the problem out and understand it both mathematically and conceptually before I am able to explain it to someone else.
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Re: Study routine.
I would recommend going to a lot of UA sessions, it is a great way to get the most amount of practice doing the problems and this quarter seems to be all about that.
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Re: Study routine.
I think the textbook helps a lot if you study each topic and do the recommended questions that come with it. Doing the homework Sapling questions also work well to make you understand the syllabus better. Lavelle's lectures are extremely helpful, therefore I would just recommend making short notes for each lecture, and studying them on the weekend. (not last minute)
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Re: Study routine.
I try to go to as many step up sessions as possible to get familiar with the way that the questions are asked. I think this helps you recognize specify key words for certain questions.
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Re: Study routine.
I think consistently practicing is the best place to start. Going to UA sessions, practice textbook problems, sapling, all of those will help with the midterms and finals. Remember not to cram!
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Re: Study routine.
I usually try to go to UA sessions leading up to exams, but normally focus on reading through the textbook and doing textbook problems, as often there is one or two questions directly from the textbook on exams.
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