Successful people are not born - they are built. Their habits and attitudes are what make them excel at chemistry and at life.
Prior to Class
- Come to school well rested – you can’t learn if you are tired. Studies show that teenagers require 9.25 hours of sleep per night.
- Eat healthy – you can’t concentrate if you’re hungry or full of sugar/fat.
- Get some exercise – around 150 minutes per week would be ideal. Studies have shown that
the brain functions better when you get up and move. It is also well-known that exercise can help with depression and anxiety.
- Have a positive attitude – you won’t excel if you’re convinced that you can’t.
In Class
- Don’t just take down notes from the board – in the margins, add extra information that the teacher provides
- Listen carefully for hints about test questions and write them down.
- Write down any questions you may have and clear up any misunderstandings immediately.
- Your goal should be to understand 90% and memorize 10% of the course content, NOT the other way around.
- Know all your basics (nomenclature, simple algebra, etc) – don’t waste time trying to figure them out.
- Don’t daydream or socialize during the lesson – listen.
- After the lesson, use your class time wisely – don’t just sit and chat. This is the best time to tackle a new concept - when it is fresh in your mind and the teacher is available for help.
- Ask the teacher for extra help if you are struggling.
Each Night
- Read over the day’s notes – highlight any misunderstandings and be sure to ask about them the next day.
- Honestly try all homework questions – highlight any you miss – check answer keys or ask for help the next day.
- Repetition is the key – practice is vital – if you know much of the material inside out, you won’t waste time on a test trying to remember it.
- Quiz yourself – cover your notes and summarize what you just read.
- Stay on top of your studies – don’t get behind or you will find it very difficult to get back up to speed.
- Become part of a study group - working with others always aids in understanding.
- Place sticky notes over any confusing sections in the notes or HW. The next day, you know exactly what to ask about in class.
Test Preparation
- Begin studying several days in advance – don’t cram.
- Some studying should be done in a group (3-4 people of similar disposition) – it reinforces concepts when you learn from and teach to others – create quizzes for each other.
- Look at old tests, if possible – this will give you insight into what the teacher finds important.
- Get plenty of sleep and eat a good meal.
- Study in a distraction free zone – no phone, no music, no TV, no video games.
- Determine the major concepts covered in the unit and spend the majority of time on them.
- When studying, use the following to prepare: assignments, review questions, notes, homework.
- Create condensed study notes – this will help on the test and pay off during exam time as well.
During the Test
- Quickly scan the whole test to determine a pace.
- You may want to start with multiple choice questions – they warm you up and jog your memory.
- Answer all questions that you know first, then the ones you think you know and then guess the rest.
- Read each question carefully and then read it again – be sure to answer the question actually asked, not the question you think was asked.
- Answer only what was asked – adding extra superfluous “stuff” only increases the chances of writing down incorrect information.
- Usually your first inclination is correct – trust yourself.
- If you’re running out of time – guess all the multiple choice, then finish any major mark questions.
- Don’t waste time on something you don’t know – leave it and come back later.
- Don’t give up on the question if something goes wrong. For instance, don’t leave a 40 mark stoichiometry question blank because you can’t balance the equation – balance the best you can and then get on with it – part marks are a life saver.
- Write neatly – if the teacher can’t read it, you will not get the benefit of the doubt.
- If you have time, check over your test before you hand it in.
After the Test
- Check the addition – sometimes teachers make mistakes.
- Don’t pester the teacher for extra marks unless you truly deserve them.
- If you do wish to debate an answer with the teacher, do it respectfully.
- Be sure to get down all the right answers – you will need this information for the future.
- Redo any incorrect questions.
- Save the test for later review.
- Be realistic – doing poorly isn’t the end of the world – refocus and try harder next time.
- Be realistic – doing well once or twice doesn’t mean you will always do well – don’t get lazy.
- If you don’t like your mark, do something about it – work harder, work smarter.
All Semester Long
- Think - try to find out information on your own – do not expect to be spoon fed.
- Take responsibility for your learning.
- Stay focused – these are your marks and your future.
- Don’t make excuses – if you are unhappy with your marks, make positive changes.
- Set priorities – decide where academics, extracurriculars, work and socializing fall on your scale of importance and then behave accordingly.
- Maintain good attendance and don’t come late to class.
- Do your homework every night.
