How to Ace Dr. Spivak’s Chem 2262 Course (or at least improve significantly) : How to Ace Dr. Spivak’s Chem 2262 Course (or at least improve significantly) Dr. Saundra Y. McGuire
Center for Academic Success
B-31 Coates Hall
www.cas.lsu.edu
Prerequisites for Success in Chemistry 2262 : Prerequisites for Success in Chemistry 2262 Mastery of Chem 2261 Concepts
(not rote memorization!)
Realistic Study Schedule
Effective Use of Resources (office hours, tutorial room, etc.)
Managing Anxiety
Why Chem 2262 is Harder Than 2261 : Why Chem 2262 is Harder Than 2261 It assumes you know all of 2261
The material is conceptually more difficult and cumulative
The problems are more involved
The tests are less straightforward and require you to apply concepts
Relative Acidity of Functional Groups : Relative Acidity of Functional Groups Arrange the following in order of increasing pKa:
a) CH3CH3, b) CH3COOH,
c) CH3CH2OH, d) CH3CF2OH,
e) ClCH2CH2OH,
Example from Exam 2 : Example from Exam 2 The relationship between propanone and 1-propenol is
a) resonance structures
b) conformational isomers
c) diastereomers
d) tautomers
e) stereoisomers
Circle the compound that is not an oxidation reagent. : Circle the compound that is not an oxidation reagent. PCC LiAlH(OtBu)3
CrO3 H2O2
NaCr2O7 KMnO4
Slide7 : Judgment: the ability to
make decisions and support
views; requires understanding of values Synthesis Analysis Identification of component parts; determination of
arrangement, logic, semantics Application Use of information to solve problems; transfer of abstract
or theoretical ideas to practical situations. Interpretation Identification of connections and relationships Translation Restatement in your own words; paraphrase; summary Recall Verbatim information; memorization with no evidence of understanding Evaluation Combination of information to form a unique
product; requires creativity and originality
Slide8 : STUDENTS WITH GPA OF 3.7 OR HIGHER STUDIED OVER 30 HRS. PER WEEK OUT OF CLASS REVIEWED MATERIAL PRIOR TO CLASS STAYED 1-2 CHAPTERS AHEAD IN TEXT REVIEWED NOTES AFTER CLASS VISITED PROFESSOR/INSTRUCTOR/TUTOR STUDIED IN SMALL GROUPS (3-5) SEVERAL TIMES PER WEEK ASKED QUESTIONS, ASKED QUESTIONS, ASKED QUESTIONS!!!
Slide9 : STUDENTS WITH A GPA OF 2.0 OR LESS STUDIED 8-12 HOURS PER WEEK OUT OF CLASS DID NOT REVIEW MATERIAL PRIOR TO CLASS STAYED 1-2 CHAPTERS BEHIND IN READING RARELY ASKED QUESTIONS RARELY DISCUSSED INFORMATION WITH INSTRUCTORS/CLASSMATES/FRIENDS IN EFFECT WERE STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL FOUR YEAR STUDY, R. B. LANDIS, CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, 1995
Slide10 : Average Retention for Learning Activities
(Source: National Training Laboratories, Bethel, ME) 20%
Audio-Visual 30%
Demonstration 50%
Discussion Group
75%
Practice by Doing
90%
Teach Others/Immediate Use of Learning
5%
Lecture 10%
Reading
So, What Can You Do Now? : So, What Can You Do Now? Spend more time studying chemistry
(at least 9 hours per week)
Aim for 100% understanding
Use the tutorial center and office hours
Use the Continuous Process of Learning and Intense Study Sessions
Study Smarter for Organic Chemistry
Use Efficient Study Strategies When You Study Chemistry ! : Use Efficient Study Strategies When You Study Chemistry ! Study SMARTER, not HARDER
Slide13 : Continuous Process of Learning Phase One: Read or preview chapters to be covered in class… before class (Create chapter maps)
Phase Two: Go to Class. Listen actively, take notes, participate in class
Phase Three: Review and process class notes as soon as possible after class
Phase Four: Incorporate Intense Study Sessions
Repeat
Slide14 :
Intense Study Sessions 5 minutes: Set goals for next 40 min.
40 minutes: Read text more selectively/highlight
Make doodles/notes in margins
Create mnemonics, work examples
Create maps
5 minutes Review what you have just studied
10 minutes Take a break
Repeat
Get the Most Out of Lecture : Get the Most Out of Lecture
Arrive early
Actively participate
Review notes soon after class
Rework all example problems done in class
Get the Most Out of Homework : Get the Most Out of Homework Start the problems early--the day they are assigned
Do not flip back to see example problems; work them yourself!
Don’t give up too soon (<15 min.)
Don’t spend too much time (>30 min.)
Get the Most from the Tutorial Center and Office Hours : Get the Most from the Tutorial Center and Office Hours Try to understand the concept or work the problem by yourself first
Come prepared to ask questions
Explain the material to the tutor or professor or study group members
Slide18 : Some other important tips - Start homework problems ONLY after reviewing
notes, working class problems, reading text.
Work extra problems!!!
To prepare for tests, go over all problems,
especially those problems you could not solve.
-Review examples from class, and do chapter
reviews.
- Keep old quizzes/tests, and ALWAYS correct
returned tests.
Special Problem Solving Tips : Special Problem Solving Tips Work extra problems!!!
When working homework problems, DO NOT
flip back to look at examples in the text. Spend at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 25 minutes trying a problem before you seek assistance.
Visualize the problem situation. Draw diagrams.
Use models.
Use front end – back end synthesis strategies:
“What can I get from what I am given?”
“What do I need to get what I am trying to find?”
Know the reactions of every functional group & how to prepare each group : Know the reactions of every functional group & how to prepare each group Aldehyde + NaCN
+ H3O+ and heat
Slide21 : BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY TUTORIAL CENTER
100 Choppin Hall
Mon – Thurs: 1pm – 6pm
Fri: 1pm – 3 pm
Slide22 : STUDY STRATEGIES WORKSHOPS
Time Management and Study Skills
Listening and Note Taking
Managing Test Anxiety
Test Taking Strategies
Concept Mapping
Slide23 : INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS Specific Study Strategies
Encouragement and Motivation
Sympathetic Listeners
Slide24 : FABULOUS WEB SITE
WWW.CAS.LSU.EDU Study Smarter Workshops On Line
Weekly and Semester Planners
GPA Calculator
Great Links
Web Page Development
Study Strategies Sites
Graduate Exam Links (GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT)
The Center for Academic Success B-31 Coates Hall www.cas.lsu.edu : The Center for Academic Success B-31 Coates Hall www.cas.lsu.edu
Unlock your excellence!!!