How to study for chemistry?

[horizon]

Just wondering how Chemistry should be tackled.  Is it worth writing summaries of the chapters in the textbook? Or should we just focus on doing questions?
What should we be careful of in year 12 chem?

Thanks 

[Phy124]

Have a read of Huaxiadragon's Experience in getting a 50 in Chem (Guide to How I studied) (if you haven't already done so)

[horizon]

Do you think we should write summaries of each chapter? My school gives me notes already though, but I'm not sure if they're enough cos I come across some extra stuff in textbooks too.  What did you guys do?

[thushan]

It's good to make summary notes I reckon. Chem is somewhat a conceptual subject, and making summary notes and diagrams is an excellent way to concrete your understanding. Oh, and enjoy the subject.

[Phy124]

Do you think we should write summaries of each chapter? My school gives me notes already though, but I'm not sure if they're enough cos I come across some extra stuff in textbooks too.  What did you guys do?

As thushan said, writing out your own notes will always help consolidate on what your learning by solidifying it in your memory. For this reason, it can be beneficial for you to do so.

The only problem that can arise is overloading work to the point in which it becomes boring. This happened to me with unit 3 and I pretty much 'hit the wall' as some would say :p

[kensan]

Do all the practice exams you can get your hands on, once it gets close to exams of course.
Personally I think doing a lot of questions is beneficial as you consolidate your knowledge while doing them, as well as experiencing a wide variety (different sorts) of questions. It's good to experience different sorts of questions because VCAA will always try and confuse with weird stuff but if you know how to handle it from previous experience, it really helps.

[huaxiadragon]

Personally I think writing notes it good, but it takes too long, and can get repetitive as there's often a lot of things you already know very well. It's much better to tackle exam questions, or if possible read through another textbook to give you a different perspective on things..

i never wrote notes for myself, as you can know the course better just by doing exam questions, and going to preparation lectures.

[funkyducky]

Writing notes in your own words, thereby summarising and explaining it to yourself, is a good way to test whether you've understood what you've read/learnt, and to cement it in your memory, so definitely a good idea.