General Chemistry II
Course ID: 01:160:162
Learning from Classroom Instruction
• To prepare for lecture, pre-read the assigned textbook chapter(s) or section(s) to get a general understanding of the material to be covered in class.
• Come to class prepared with questions on topics you are confused about. Stay actively engaged in the lecture by taking detailed notes from the slideshow and asking questions.
• Take 15-20 minutes following each class meeting to review your notes. Each time you review the concepts presented, they will help strengthen your recall.
• At the end of the week, revisit all your lecture notes and create a summary sheet or a concept map to synthesize key takeaways from each chapter and section—this will help you in your exam preparation.
Learning for and from Assignments
• Homeworks are a large part of your overall grade. Review your notes and ask questions on the material to ensure you completely understand all concepts.
•Homeworks allow unlimited attempts, so take advantage of that. For every incorrect question practice reflecting on your errors by analyzing the problems, identifying where you made a mistake, and redo the homework again.
• Take time to understand each question. Look for keywords you recognize from your notes and textbook for hints. There is no shortcut to interpreting the questions, as the equation you use is dependent upon the situation described in the specific question.
Preparing and Studying for Exams
• Start preparing for exams (including midterms and finals) at least three weeks ahead of the assigned dates. A sample plan is described below:
Week 1- general review and mastery of concepts
Week 2- practice problem sets from each chapter’s section
Week 3- continue with practice tests, making corrections, and create your own practice tests
• Creating a master study guide can help you study for final exams. You can build it as you go through the semester utilizing your notes from class and the textbook.
• For terms and concepts which need to be memorized, use Quizlet or make flashcards. They are a great way to reinforce definitions or terms as you study throughout the semester and leading up to your exam.
Helpful External Resources
• Guided practice problems on Organic Chemistry Tutor on YouTube (Note from Faculty: External online video resources often present material and concepts at a level below what we expect Rutgers students to achieve. Therefore, we recommend such resources be used cautiously and as a small part of a broader set of resources.)
• Learning concepts on Youtube resource: Dr. Dave (Note from Faculty: External online video resources often present material and concepts at a level below what we expect Rutgers students to achieve. Therefore, we recommend such resources be used cautiously and as a small part of a broader set of resources.)
• Phet Simulations – resource for lab-based learning through virtual models.
• Utilize Professor/Teaching Assistant’s office hours for questions and clarification of concepts.
• The Learning Centers provide tutoring, academic coaching, and peer study group services.