I'm sorry, but this is a re-post.
I couldn't find the original post;-(
so, does anyone have any suggestions for helping a student make a passing grade in college chemistry? She took it twice and didn't pass. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I thought maybe some websites or tutorials??
Thanks.
Read the book.
Take class notes.
At the end of the day rewrite the class notes; repetition helps.
GET A TUTOR FROM DAY ONE!!!
Ask the prof questions the student doesn't understand.
Google can help find articles about things the student doesn't understand but the subject must be fairly specific.
Go into the class with a positive attitude. I know that may be difficult if the student has failed twice; however, thinking you will fail AGAIN won't help you pass.
DON'T GET BEHIND. Do the class work on time. If the class meets on MWF, do the homework MWand F evenings; i.e., don't put things off the day between for one forgets things in that day. If this sounds too simple, I can tell you from experience, that I have never had a student in 40 years of teaching chemistry that was not smart enough to grasp freshman college chemistry. I have had many students that were too lazy, too bored, too finicky, too what ever and who failed but none failed because they weren't smart enough. Fellow students don't help much when they keep talking about how hard a chemistry course is. Chemistry is no more difficult than English or history but it takes discipline and doggedness. Good luck.
Bob Pursley has some great ideas to help, also. I hope he sees this and responds.
Assuming a sincere and honest effort was put into the course, after failing a course twice perhaps a realistic re-evaluation of the student's academic ability should be made.
Not everybody is able to do well in Chemistry or Physics, not everybody is able to do well in the arts or music no matter how much effort they put into it.
I used to tell my students that I am going to become an NBA basketball player and was planning to practise 8 hours every day, could they perhaps explain why I could not make it. Looking at my 175 cm stature they all knew the obvious answer.
I'm sorry to hear that the student has struggled to pass college chemistry. Here are some step-by-step suggestions to help them improve their performance:
1. Read the textbook: Make sure the student thoroughly reads and understands the material covered in the textbook. This will provide a solid foundation of knowledge.
2. Take detailed class notes: Encourage the student to take comprehensive notes during lectures, highlighting key concepts, formulas, and examples. This will help them review and reinforce their understanding later on.
3. Rewrite class notes: At the end of each day, have the student rewrite their class notes. This repetition helps reinforce the information and enhances retention.
4. Get a tutor: Consider hiring a tutor from day one. A tutor can provide personalized guidance, clarify doubts, and help the student work on specific problem areas.
5. Seek help from the professor: Encourage the student to actively participate in class and ask the professor questions whenever they don't understand something. Professors are usually willing to assist students who show genuine effort and interest in the subject.
6. Utilize online resources: There are many websites and tutorials available that can provide additional explanations and practice problems. Websites like Khan Academy, Chemguide, and LibreTexts offer free resources for learning chemistry.
7. Maintain a positive attitude: While it might be challenging given the previous failures, it's important for the student to approach the course with a positive mindset. Believing that they can succeed will motivate them to put in the necessary effort and increase their chances of passing.
8. Stay on top of assignments: Emphasize the importance of not falling behind on assignments. Encourage the student to complete homework and other tasks promptly, as procrastination can lead to gaps in understanding.
9. Consider academic ability: If the student has genuinely put in their best effort but continues to struggle, it may be worth considering whether chemistry is a suitable course for them. Not everyone excels in every subject, and it's important to recognize individual strengths and weaknesses.
10. Seek advice from others: Reach out to other teachers or academic advisors who might have insights or strategies for helping the student succeed in chemistry.
Remember, success in college chemistry requires discipline, hard work, and consistent effort. With the right support and a strong dedication to learning, the student can improve their chances of passing the course.
I understand that you're looking for suggestions to help a student who has been struggling with college chemistry and has failed the course twice. It's important to remember that each student's situation is unique, but here are some general tips that may be helpful:
1. Utilize resources: Encourage the student to utilize different resources such as textbooks, lecture notes, and online websites or tutorials. Many chemistry textbooks come with additional online resources like practice problems, interactive modules, and study guides.
2. Seek help early: It's crucial for the student to seek help early on. They can reach out to the professor during office hours or ask questions in class. Additionally, they can consider getting a tutor from the beginning to provide personalized support and guidance.
3. Active learning: Advise the student to actively engage with the material. This can include taking thorough notes during lectures, actively participating in class discussions, and reviewing and summarizing the material regularly.
4. Practice problem-solving: Chemistry is a subject that requires practice. Encourage the student to work through practice problems, both from the textbook and any additional resources available. Solving problems can help solidify concepts and improve problem-solving skills.
5. Study groups: Collaborating with peers who are also taking the course may be beneficial. The student can form study groups to discuss concepts, ask and answer questions, and quiz each other. Explaining concepts to others can enhance understanding.
6. Work on time management: It's important for the student to stay on top of assignments and coursework. Help them create a study schedule and prioritize their time to ensure they complete assignments and study regularly.
7. Stay positive and determined: Failing a course can be discouraging, but it's essential for the student to maintain a positive mindset and stay determined. Remind them that past failures don't define their future success, and encourage them to approach the course with renewed motivation.
Lastly, it's important to consider the student's individual circumstances, learning style, and potential external factors that may be affecting their performance in the course. Providing emotional support and encouraging them to seek additional academic advising services can also be beneficial.