Advice for studying

[LeAirraBullingor2k]

Can anyone give me tips on studying and preparing for the week? I'm still trying to figure the best routine to learn and review the different topics each week. Thank you in advance.

[JohnWalkiewicz2J]

Hey!
I would definitely recommend reading the appropriate chapters in the textbook and the problems that go along with them.
In terms of schedule, I usually do the concepts after Dr.Lavelle goes over them in lecture, so that I have a basic understanding of what I am reading.
Hope this helps!

[405268063]

My routine so far has been to go to lecture and then to come back to my room and then watch the video modules again so that I can try to recall the same information that he just went over. I try to spread out my homework problems over the week so that I'm forced to remember how to do certain things and if I still feel like I don't get a concept, I'll go onto Youtube and then watch a Crash Course or something. Hope this helps!

[Yailin Romo 4G]

What I do is to do the assigned hw problems ahead of time, that way when he is going over how to do them in class I already know what is going on and take notes on things I might have had trouble doing in the homework.

[Kallista McCarty 1C]

I recommend going to as many of the Step Up sessions in Covel that you are able to! I find them very helpful to clarify what we go over in lecture!

[Manav Govil 1B]

My main way of studying is reading the entire chapter and then doing all the homework problems. If I do not understand any of the homework problems, I either go here, or go to my TA. If there is something I do not understand, I seek out help.

[Fiona Latifi 1A]

I have been watching the videos posted on Lavelle's website and completing the modules. Then throughout the week, I will read the sections in the textbook and complete all of the homework problems. Good luck!

[Patricia Chan 1C]

Hey! I've been making sure that I watch the online modules and then completing the post assessments first in order to see what topics are my strengths and what topics are my weaknesses. After, I make sure to do all the homework problems Dr. Lavelle assigns, and I go over them again to make sure I actually understand the concepts. This proved to be quite helpful.

[SajaZidan_1K]

I highly highly recommend going to the Step Up sessions. I feel like they review the material in class really well, so if I am lost I can just ask any questions during the review. They also provide some practice problems for extra support. I think this is a great way to refresh topics and see what topics in particular I need to practice more.

[Yiyang Jen Wang 4G]

Step Up session is definitely recommended! For me I think it is easier to just go and listen than read through the textbook~

[chrischyu4a]

One routine that helped me get through chem was to just do as many practice problems as possible and to review the problems that you weren't able to solve initially or struggled with.

[Claire Grover 3G]

For the first test I watched youtube videos and went to some of the Step Up sessions which were really helpful, but I think the most helpful thing I did was just doing all of the homework problems!

[Liliana Aguas 3G]

I agree with what everyone is saying about the Step Up sessions!! They go step by step and it's really good because it sets the foundation of how to do it so then when you do the homework problems it makes you practice the idea.

[ShreyaKannan1B]

The online modules are pretty helpful, especially taking the post-assessment. The videos aren't too in depth about the harder questions but they cover the basics really well which helps.

[ZevMarx-Kahn3C]

Do you guys know if there's anywhere that Dr. Lavelle lists the exact stuff he's gonna go over in lecture? I like to read the textbook sections beforehand but I always end up reading stuff that he doesn't end up expecting us to know, and I just get confused. Thanks!

[Kim Chen]

I'd definitely recommend looking over the chapters that you struggle more with after lecture. Skimming before lecture can sometimes help too, but it all depends on what order you like to do things. What I like to do is test it out -- one week, I'll do it before and one week after. Also, doing the homework problems associated with the same day's lecture right after lecture helps me absorb and conceptualize a lot better. If you find yourself struggling on a certain topic, do more homework problems.

[Merin Padayatty 3G]

After going to lecture, I like to immediately read the material covered in the textbook to solidify the concepts. I also try to do the corresponding homework problems right away and I'll go to TA hours if I'm confused about anything.

[Kimme Chun 1I]

Doing the homework problems can be helpful because you really need to have an understanding of the concept before you can complete the problem so working on the problems will help you understand the concepts better.

[JinwooLee_1F]

I usually read the chapters after Dr. Lavelle goes over them to have a better understanding. Also, doing homework problems can provide additional practice and understanding.

[Donavin Collins 1F]

It's best to make sure you understand every/most concepts before moving onto the next. That way, you don't have to go back and start over. I would also recommend doing homework problems after you're finished as a way to quiz yourself.

[Deena Doan 2F]

Hi! I definitely recommend everything else everyone has said so far! For me, what works the best is doing everything he assigns and joining study groups! They are so helpful and collaborating with other students makes it easier to understand. I also watch Youtube videos; there is this one guy named Tyler Dewitt and he is awesome! I used to watch him all of the time back in high school and I still watch him now for chem.

[Naneeta Desar 1K]

I do best when I study in a group. I understand information better when other people explain and give their input into various topics!

[Milisuryani Santoso 1L]

Try going to TA hours if you can! I feel like this helps a lot, especially since you can get your questions answered and worked through right in front of you. Plus, if you still don't understand, you can always just ask right then and there.

[Elizabeth 4I]

Try joining a study group and review topics that was discussed during lecture.

[emma brinton_3B]

personally for studying i make sure to do the practice homework problems and review my notes if im still confused. if you really dont understand a problem follow along with the solutions manual and try again later. also there are some good videos on youtube which covers some of the topics in a more simplistic manner than the textbook.

[MTanikella_1K]

Reading the relevant chapters, taking notes on the video modules and reviewing the homework problems are all great ways to prepare for the week and get better with the material.

[Jessica Tejero 3L]

Something that has been immensely helpful to me is the AAP program. Enrolling in a plf session two times a week has helped me review a lot in addition to the step up program.

[Prasanna Padmanabham 4I]

I agree with everyone here. I am not a auditory learner, so I forget concepts when I just listen to someone explain it. I find it extremely helpful to read the textbook and do every single example problem. This is really helpful because when I'm doing HW problems, I like to classify the problem and understand how different skills "fit" together or what technique I need to use to solve a problem. During this process, if I do get stuck, I like watching videos or asking someone for help. I study like this because it forces me to actively engage with the material instead of just passively listening to someone explain the problem.

[Jose Robles 1D]

Can someone point out to me a great drop in session for AAP? I went to one that was packed and didn't learn much? Like any recommendations for a great TA for study sessions?

[kevinolvera1j]

The video modules on the Chem 14A website are excellent resource for initially learning, but to solidify information for long-term recall, forming a study group to do practice problems/tests is a really solid strategy.

[Nuoya Jiang]

Do every homework question and read concepts on the text bool as well. Tne syllabus says 1/8 of the homework questions are likely to be on the exams as well, so we should definitely pay attention to those questions.

[J Medina 2I]

I found it helpful to read the chapters covered in lecture and going through all the example problems given. I also write question marks in my notes during lecture to remind myself what seemed confusing at the time so I can study it later.

[Christine Honda 2I]

I've found it helpful to watch the video modules and going over the practice problems. Sometimes I find the book confusing.

[AryaG_4C]

I think that you should essentially try and understand via the audio video lectures that are on the class website and then do the post module as well as the homework question to test yourself!

[Alexis 3F]

I've been attending the workshops a few times a week and it's made suchhhh a positive improvement!!!!

[Alan Cornejo 1a]

I've been attending the workshops a few times a week and it's made suchhhh a positive improvement!!!!

I also found this to be super helpful

[JohannaPerezH2F]

I've also been struggling a lot with keeping up with the material, so if anyone wants to study together and prepare lemme know but I think something that is definitely important is to prepare before the week starts

[005162520]

The workshops and the step-up sessions have been helpful in approaching problems and reviewing topics that I find confusing. I also go on YouTube when I haven't completely grasped the concepts, but I would strongly recommend to go to office hours for your TA as well.

[jmtz1I]

I would definitely recommend going to plf sessions or the step-up sessions they hold at covel. Also, just planning your day and finding time to just study on Chem is essential.

[Alexis 3F]

The workshops and the step-up sessions have been helpful in approaching problems and reviewing topics that I find confusing. I also go on YouTube when I haven't completely grasped the concepts, but I would strongly recommend to go to office hours for your TA as well.

I AGREE!! Workshops are actually super helpful I go to a few a week and my ability to understand class material has definitely improved.

[Alison Trinh 1E]

Rewatching Dr. Lavelle's video modules, doing the homework/practice problems, and attending step-up sessions have been very helpful for me in terms of studying and trying to really understand the material!

[Ryan Juncker 3D]

I think the textbook is very well-written for really breaking down topics that we go over in class. Especially if we went over something in class quickly that I didn't quite grasp I think its a great way to clear some things up. Also, the "self-check" problems are a great way to confirm what you're doing as you go!

[Nick Lewis 4F]

I think there's a lot of ways you can elaborate on learning in class. What I do is I review my notes, see what resources are online on Dr. Lavelle's website, and then sometimes I will look up topics online and read about them. I will go on youtube and find people that explain concepts more in depth and will also do practice problems that are suggested in the syllabus. If this doesn't work I will go to office hours because there is so much flexibility and availability to get 1on1 help with someone who really knows this stuff well.

[Connor Ho 1B]

For me, studying is most effective when I'm in a quiet area (like The Study at Hedrick, lol) and I usually skim through the textbook lessons as well as the notes I take in class. I also look over some notes from my high school AP Chem notebook if any of the topics we learned are something I went over in high school as well.

[Alexis 3F]

For me, studying is most effective when I'm in a quiet area (like The Study at Hedrick, lol) and I usually skim through the textbook lessons as well as the notes I take in class. I also look over some notes from my high school AP Chem notebook if any of the topics we learned are something I went over in high school as well.

I do this same thing!!

[Mallika Chimpiri 3K]

Aside from the textbook problems and online video modules, I would recommend doing to the Step-Up sessions and the upcoming midterm review sessions if you feel that you study well with others around; it would be a good way to clarify and reinforce concepts.

[KSong_1J]

For studying I definitely recommend reading the textbook chapters (which helps a lot with conceptual understanding of topics), doing all the homework problems, and just searching up youtube videos of topics you don't fully understand!

[Juana Abana 1G]

I've also been struggling a lot with keeping up with the material, so if anyone wants to study together and prepare lemme know but I think something that is definitely important is to prepare before the week starts

Yes, me too.

[Alexis 3F]

Going to the workshops are honestly the most helpful thing you can do for yourself in preparing for the midterm

[Patricia Chan 1C]

I feel like going through the concepts in the book is always helpful to clarify any questions you may have on topics. I think practicing is the biggest thing you can do to prepare. Go through the assigned homework problems as well as any practice midterm questions (like the dino nuggets questions) to get a good grasp of how to tackle different types of problems. Hope this helps!

[Chris Tai 1B]

I would really recommend trying to do as many of the homework problems as you can, so that when you come across a concept or a problem that you're not sure to how to solve, you can either ask here on Chemistry Community or go back and read the textbook so that you solidify that base of knowledge for yourself. I think that going to these review sessions is also incredibly helpful, go to as many as possible!

[Jessica Tejero 3L]

I feel like the step up programs have helped a lot and just reviewing practice problems would be the best.

[Pablo 1K]

After lecture, perhaps chill for about 30 minutes (if you know going back to your place will make you lazy), hit a study room or library and after cooling down and relaxing (when u have time), look at video modules and perhaps look up complicated concepts andd see how other people teach it. Practice problems are your best bet. Every so often take short interval breaks to prevent overworking yourself.

[Alexis 3F]

^^^ that's really good advice actually, thank you!

[ShreyaKannan1B]

Aside from the textbook problems and online video modules, I would recommend doing to the Step-Up sessions and the upcoming midterm review sessions if you feel that you study well with others around; it would be a good way to clarify and reinforce concepts.

The online modules stopped at a certain point right?

[kendal mccarthy]

I usually read the textbook and any concepts I have issues with I look for videos on Khan Academy!

[Karyn How 1J]

For me, what I found that really helps is going to workshops for the extra review and worksheets. It’s really useful in regards of reviewing what we learned in lecture. Also go to your tas office hours if you ever have any additional questions or review the section covered in the textbook!

[Alexis 3F]

I also like using flashcards and it's helpful to exchange notes with friends too and compare material (in case there's things you missed)!!

[105289321]

Study a lot with other people and bounce ideas you don't know off of each other

[joshtully]

It could be helpful to reach out to people in your same section to form a study group.

[Rayna Irving 2C]

I suggest reading over the textbook and going to step-up sessions and any other office hours that fit your schedule so you can be with other people who might come up with questions that you might not have thought about on your own to enhance your comprehension of the material.

[Zach Richardson 2f]

Find people to study with! It's better to study together :)

[Mehreen 3I]

I heard the step up sessions are extremely helpful! During the lectures, I tend to pause a lot and take notes to really understand and if there is an example I will attempt it beforehand.

[Victoria_Sauceda_1B]

Take advantage of the zoom sessions

[Jonathan Batac - 2D]

So what I'm doing is going through all my notes that I've been taking during Lavelle's lectures and modules, making sure I am highlighting the things he emphasizes. For practice problems, Sapling questions are a good way of studying the types of questions could be on the test (the hints and full solution really helps). I am also going through questions presented at the peer learning sessions.

[Serena Song 1A]

I find the questions from the textbook and the step-up sessions very useful! I would also recommend writing down all the important formulas on a piece of paper and the memorizing and understanding the formulas. I think we will be given a formula sheet (maybe?), but flipping back and forth between pages can be a hassle, so it's nice to have it in your memory. Besides that, office hours are always useful since you can ask specific questions!

[Brenda Silva 1B]

It is helpful to complete some of the textbook problems ahead of time to have an idea about what would be covered in lecture. Also take advantage of the workshops and the modules on the website. The modules and the pre/post-assessments cover the basics of the concept and then you could put your understanding into practice with the homework/ textbook problems.

[Sam_Marasigan_3D]

Testing yourself frequently on the concepts is a great strategy to use!

[Daniela_Martinez_3B]

Hey! I definitely recommend going over the textbook homework problems and any notes you may have written during lectures. If you're still a bit confused on a certain topic, you can find tons of great youtube videos that explain it.

[Darren1j]

I think its best to spread out studying through the week and to do all the things that the people above had mentioned. Read the textbook before the lecture, and then try to do the hw problems. If you want more practice try the audio-visual focus assignments and attend some of the over 40 hors of help a week (Step up, workshops, office hours etc.)

[Molly_Peterson_2F]

Doing the textbook problems has been very helpful for me! I think that doing practice problems and even re-doing the problems done in our discussion sections has been the most comprehensive way of reviewing for me so far.

[Kat Stahl 2K]

What I'm planning to do to study is do all of the problems that are recommended in the book, do the sapling homework, do the audio visual topics, and possibly even rewatch the lectures that I am confused on. I will then probably look up YouTube videos on the topics that I am confused about. I'm super nervous and feel really unprepared so I am trying to study a lot but self motivation has been an issue for me. I'm also planning to go to a UA session during the week. My midterm is on Friday so I have a bit more time than everyone else.

[Gicelle Rubin 1E]

I personally just plan on working on practice problems and rewatching the video modules since those really seem to help me. I'm also going to try to make time to attend workshops before my midterm. Good luck studying!!

[AdilaAhmed3I]

I usually look through my notes first and see where my weak points are and maybe watch some videos on youtube as a supplement to give me more information. You could also read the textbook but I find that the textbook sometimes gives too much information and might be confusing. Then I would do practice problems so like the textbook questions mainly focusing on the area where I struggle more. As like a refresher, I might read my notes again at the end of my study session and right before the test.

[AJForte-2C]

I like to do practice problems, re-writing notes, and making flashcards. These things tend to help me remember things best long-term.Hope this helps!

[Akriti Ratti 1H]

The step up sessions and modules posted on the website are great tools for studying! I find practice problems really helpful as well.

[Sreeram Kurada 3H]

My advice is to do as many practice problems as possible. Do the post-assessment modules, textbook problems, and UA worksheets. However, if you feel good in a topic already, then just move on to practice problems that you are not good at practice those instead. I think somewhere he said that the midterm will be textbook problems and some sapling problems, so practice those mainly.

[David Jen 1J]

I like to do practice problems and read the textbook. Practice problems is where I mostly retain information from.

[nayha a 1E]

As someone who has not taken any physics courses before, I find the lectures to be a little overwhelming. Something that has been very helpful for me has been watching YouTube videos that explain the concepts.

[Emilie_Paltrinieri_1K]

I would recommend watching the lectures and looking at the solved examples on the textbook to see how the problems function. After that, do the homework and ask for help if you don't understand some of the exercises!

[Eliot Kagan 2G]

To add onto those ahead of me, if you are having problems with a specific topic, I recommend that you watch The Organic Chemistry Tutor on youtube. I find him really helpful because he goes over each problem step by step.

[905409193]

The best thing to do is to ask for help! Email your TA if you have any questions and try to attend workshops. Most importantly do not overwork yourself, take breaks when studying, and move away from the screen so that your eyes arent overworked.

[IanWheeler3F]

For me I usually study in little bits rather than all at once or cram so I do one part of the textbook and its corresponding questions, and do a few sapling questions most days. And I also find videos online to be helpful if the textbook doesn't make sense

[Ryan Agcaoili 2E]

Personally, I study in short intervals of about an hour because taking breaks are important for retaining information. Everyday I review bits of my lecture notes so that the information stays in my head. In addition, I recommend attending every UA session even if think you are fine. Doing problems will allow you to be more consistent when it comes to encountering math problems.

[805377003]

I recommend doing all the textbook problems and practicing all the homework problems.

[Rachel Kho Disc 2G]

Get as much practice in as possible! You can find extra problems in the textbook, sapling, UA peer-learning sessions, etc. If there is a difficult concept, you can go to office hours or even watch a video on YouTube.

[Chloe Kauffman 1D]

Studying with other students in the class is a great way to get clarification by working on practice problems from the textbook.

[Erika Sosa-Cruz 1J]

Hi,
I would recommend taking the pre-module quizzes because I am assuming that that is how he will for the midterm questions or at least something similarly. Also when trying to study, take breaks in between so that you don't overstress yourself and are able to understand the concepts.

[Britney Tran IJ]

I've been doing all of the textbook problems and pre module quiz questions, and if I dont understand something I would go to peer sessions or rewatch the lectures! Khan academy is also really helpful.

[Teti Omilana 1G]

Doing the audio-visual focus topics before watching lecture really helps so that you already have a basic understanding of concepts before he goes over them.

[alexandralopez 3F]

Doing the textbook problems have been super helpful for me, because you get to actually apply the concepts we're learning. I usually do them after lecture and just do the sections that correspond from the lecture so I have a basic understanding of what I'm doing and I find it really helpful!

[Anthony_Sandoval_1D]

A studying routine that has definitely worked for me is going through each of the lectures individuals and completing as many practice problems as I can.

[Hasan Mirza 3F]

I recently went to my first workshop and it was super helpful. Also, the modules are really useful if you want to zero in on a specific concept that you are unsure about.