Importance of your teacher

[kenhung123]

So chem teachers are not all that useful for teaching theory but just answering your questions encountered during personal study?

[Ilovemathsmeth]

I think that's pretty much it. I know that I usually read each chapter before class but sometimes when I didn't, I still found going home and reading the chapter myself helpful and asking my teacher for assistance the best way.

[kyzoo]

It really depends on yourself, your teacher and your course. About a quarter of the stuff our school covered in Chem Unit 1 wasn't in the textbook at all so we had to rely on the teacher.

[monokekie]

Chemistry is a course that requires WORK, as in completing questions.

The fundamental logic is that, the more type of questions that you complete, the more you are prepared for various exam/SAC questions. I could guarantee you, that your mark will reflect the amount of work you have put in.

So, to answer you question, a teacher is there to answer your queries, to explain concepts you may find difficult exploring on your own that lies behind the query.

However, when you are capable of self-studying, as in being able to solve problems on your own and grasping all the knowledge that involves, a teacher may nolonger be necessary for you.

But it certainly benefits you when you have a teacher who is excellent at explaining Chemistry in class, who doesn't want to have their knowledge re-inforced by a pro? =P

[Ilovemathsmeth]

Oh definitely, you need to do the work. There's actually A LOT of questions that can be done as practice for Chem and you won't regret doing them. The midyear this year was insane.

Checkpoints has a large stock of questions - I strongly advise doing them before each SAC because I know I'd freak out if I had to do all of them two weeks before the exam. They take time, especially the short answer questions, especially if you're a perfectionist and would ideally like to do every question.

[slothpomba]

Lets face it, for most people, chemistry is kind of a dry boring subject. I wasnt a big fan but i didnt totally hate it ... for one reason.. i had an awesome teacher who made it fun and told jokes.. i actually kind of liked the class because of that. He's gone now..got a different teacher... dont know how im going to do.

[Collin Li]

Lets face it, for most people, chemistry is kind of a dry boring subject. I wasnt a big fan but i didnt totally hate it ... for one reason.. i had an awesome teacher who made it fun and told jokes.. i actually kind of liked the class because of that. He's gone now..got a different teacher... dont know how im going to do.

Chemistry is fun! I imagine molecules floating around in space in my mind and it helps me understand things like melting points, solubilities, etc.

[Ilovemathsmeth]

LOL, was it just me or were the electrolysis questions really enjoyable??

I also enjoyed the calculation parts of Chem. I hated spectroscopy.

[NE2000]

LOL, was it just me or were the electrolysis questions really enjoyable??

I also enjoyed the calculation parts of Chem. I hated spectroscopy.

Siff hate spectroscopy. I loved those questions where you get an NMR, IR and mass spectrum and it's like, go draw the molecule given this information. It actually felt like you were doing something real, if you know what I mean. I spent time looking for more of those to do them, although the one on the unit 3 exam ended up being straightforward

[kenhung123]

Hey guys, what chem topics were most tricky this year? I want to get my head around it over the holidays to avoid falling into the trap.

Thanks

[Gloamglozer]

Hey guys, what chem topics were most tricky this year? I want to get my head around it over the holidays to avoid falling into the trap.

Thanks

Try understanding NMR by yourself without a teacher helping you.    That'll keep your brain exercised these holidays.

[kenhung123]

Is that something quite a few found challenging?

[NE2000]

Is that something quite a few found challenging?

You just need a lot of practice. Just try to have fun with spectroscopy (includes NMR, IR spectroscopy, UV-visible etc.) and you'll be fine.

[/0]

And rote learn chemical pathways
It's the only way

[Greggler]

Chemistry is one my most enjoyable subjects when i really get into it. Really satisfying when your given a complexly worded equation and you manage to correctly balance it, and do a number of calculations based on it.

I'm currently trying to teach myself Unit 3 over these holidays. Currently up to Chapter 5 of Chemistry Dimensions which is spectroscopy. Probs start it on monday, but everything so far i've found is just built upon yr 11 stoic, just a bit more complex and extended, but just as fun