Studying and Thinking About Problems

For many of you, the first course in chemistry will be a new experience— perhaps a difficult one. To understand chemistry, you will have to work hundreds of problems. For many students, the mathematical side of the course may seem more difficult than it should, leading to unnecessary frustration. There appear to be two main sources of this difficulty and frustration they center around (1) study habits, and (2) the way you analyze a problem and proceed to its solution. The following suggestions, taken seriously from the very beginning, may be of great help to you. For most people, improved study habits and problem-solving skills come only with practice and with a determined effort spread over a long time. It s worth it. 

Learn each assignment before going on to a new one. Chemistry has a vertical structure that is, new concepts depend on previous material. The course is cumulative in nature. Don t pass over anything, expecting to learn it later. And don t postpone study until exam time. The message is this keep up to date. 

Know how to perform the mathematical operations you need in solving problems. The mathematics used in general chemistry is elementary, involving 

Minimize the amount of material you memorize. Limit memorization to the basic facts and principles from which you can reason the solutions of the problems. Know this smallish amount of factual material really well then concentrate on how to use it in a logical, effective way. Too many students try to undertake chemistry with only a rote-memory approach it can be fatal. 

Before working homework problems, study pertinent class notes and text material until you think you fully understand the facts and principles involved. Try to work the problems without reference to text, class notes, or friendly assistance. If you can t, then work them with the help of your text or notes, or work with someone else in the class, or ask an upperclassman or the instructor. However, then be aware that you have worked the problems with a crutch, and that it s quite possible you still don t understand them. Try the same or similar problems again a few days later to see whether you can do them without any help, as you must do on an exam. Discussion of problems helps to fix principles in mind and to broaden understanding but, by itself, it doesn t guarantee the understanding you need to work them. 

---