Should I learn ahead of my class?

[tony2k]

I'm doing Chem 3/4 next year and after 3/4 methods exam I can see why I should've started prac exams so much earlier.

My question is should I learn ahead of my class? I really want to finish the course quite early so I can revise then start practise exams as soon as possible. Right now I understand 1/2 Chem pretty easily, scoring 80%+ on my tests (for practical reports? eh)

Thank you

[grannysmith]

Now, what the heck just happened here? Mods? AN has been getting weirder by the day.

[15_ckht]

I'm doing Chem 3/4 next year and after 3/4 methods exam I can see why I should've started prac exams so much earlier.

My question is should I learn ahead of my class? I really want to finish the course quite early so I can revise then start practise exams as soon as possible. Right now I understand 1/2 Chem pretty easily, scoring 80%+ on my tests (for practical reports? eh)

Thank you

I would definitely learn ahead of class. Start now and during the holidays. I used to start learning new topics in a specific way:

Read relevant chapters of summary notes (e.g. ChemNotes) > Read corresponding chapters of the textbook > Watch videos related to topic > Summarise those topics with concise notes > Do textbook questions for those chapters > Do relevant Checkpoints questions > Make note of weaknesses and mistakes and ask teacher / tutor (if you have one) to help you overcome areas of weaknesses...and once you feel relatively comfortable with that topic, move onto the next chapter and repeat the process over again.

Of course the above sequence is not the only way to learn Chemistry, You could also learn via online videos (e.g. on Edrolo) or by listening to podcasts. Everyone learns differently and you should find a way to learn that suits your style of learning. I learnt best by reading and practice so I delved myself into books and questions.
 
You're absolutely right in thinking that you should be starting practice exams as soon as possible. You won't be able to complete enough on time if you left it till the end.

Best of luck

[zsteve]

Absolutely. Go for it!

[wyzard]

Yeah definitely! Make good use of the holiday, just look through the syllabus outline and read ahead by the textbook or notes. When school starts you'll be ahead most of your peers and you can easily zoom into parts where you don't understand quite well.

Reading ahead is a very good strategy not only in high school, but in uni as well. Always stay at least one step ahead.