For Chemistry, there is no way you can score well in examinations just by memorising the facts and definitions in your Chemistry Textbooks or Chemistry Notes.
The way to learn effectively is to make sure you understand the essential chemistry concepts. For revision, it is recommneded that you tackle it in a topical basis first, before coming back to do a summary of how the different topics are interlinked together (if you do not realised there’s interlinking in the different topics, then this be a RED ALERT for you).
Before beginning to revise a topic:
- Have a brief ideas of the learning objectives of the topics – what are you required to know?
- Take a look at section headings and sub-headings to get an overall idea of what is covered
- Think about how much you already know about this topic – just some points and keywords
During the revision of the topic:
- Underline of highlight important points – you can also write them out in point forms
- Lists out important facts, diagrams or definitions – they are usually tested
- Understand all the different terms – you can use the annex @ back of textbook or Up Your Chemistry Grades Now! (yes, i have compiled a comprehensive list of chemical definitions that all O Levels Chemistry students must know)
- Attempt the questions in your Chemistry Textbooks, Workbooks, Ten Years Series or questions in this blogsite
- Identify those points that you are not sure and confused about – approach your teacher or tutor to find out the answer! Do NOT ignore any confusions because they will become MISCONCEPTIONS in your Chemistry Exams.
- Alternatively, you can write in to me at sean@SimpleChemConcepts.com. Understanding of chemistry concepts is the key to effective learning and getting you the grades you desire
After revision of the topic:
- Look at the summary or concept link @ the end of your textbook – you should be confident now that you have covered those angles
- Make your own summary of the topic by various methods you are comfortable with: MindMaps, Tables, Flowcharts, Concept Maps, Point Forms, etc…Rmbr – use the method you most comfortable now. No time now for you to try something new..thou you heard it is useful
- Try out more questions in ten years series, this humble chemistry blogsite (yeah..lots of exam-based questions) and your textbooks.
With the proper “closure” of the topic, celebrate with little success by doing something you like (not too much time taken thou) such as get a cola drink, get an ice-cream, read some magazines or papers, half an hour of video games or FACEBOOK/MSN etc. You need to learn how to enjoy and reward yourself in order to be motivated to continue on. [if your parents disallow that, you can refer them to this humble website].
But you cannot play me out – i.e. don’t say this website encourage you to play 5 hrs of games/FACBOOK.MSN after only revising 1 topic. You will kill get me into trouble…haha =)
Once you have revised at least once for each chapter that is tested in your Mid-Year Examinations – it is time for you to close all notes and just look @ your content page. We need to do an overall summary of it. Based on your sub-headings – i want you to close ur eyes and try to recall as many small points / facts on each sub-headings. You would realise that many of the terms used are actually re-occuring in our topics.
I hope you will find the above Examination Strategies / Tips on Revising for Chemistry Examinations (Chemistry Revision) useful to you.
PS: Leave me a comment at “LEAVE A REPLY”. I would love to hear from you.
Study hard!
To Your Academic Success in Chemistry,
Sean Chua