8 Ways to Overcome Common Challenges in Learning Chemistry

At some point, everyone faces learning challenges in school. 

And chemistry is not an exception. 

Before we proceed, we’d like to share the experience of one of our student’s Amara. 

Here what she has to say;

“When chemistry class first started, I was completely overwhelmed.

I remember sitting in class, trying to understand basic concepts like balancing chemical equations.  

At some point, I felt like everyone around me just got it while I was utterly confused. 

My first exam was a disaster. 

I barely passed, and it hit me hard. 

At some point, I thought about changing my major — maybe chemistry wasn’t for me.

However, my momma didn’t raise a quitter, so it was either I succeed or succeed.

There was no if, buts or maybes – I knew I needed to succeed.  

I needed a new approach, so I started watching YouTube videos that explained things more simply. This helped a great deal, but I needed more. 

During my sojourn online, I found a tutor from CopyChemistry who explained things to me step by step. 

This helped me see that I was overcomplicating a lot of the material. 

I started reading my exam questions more carefully and started thinking about the methods I needed to apply before jumping into answers.

I also began using different textbooks and online resources to improve my understanding. 

Slowly but surely, the course and topics started making sense. 

When the next exam came, I surprised myself with one of the highest grades in the class. 

It wasn’t easy, but I learned that chemistry, like anything else, just takes the right strategies.”

Just as we said earlier, studying Chemistry isn’t for the weak-hearted

However, with the right strategies, you can overcome these challenges and pass just as Amara did. 

Without further ado, here are eight practical ways to tackle common problems in learning chemistry and improve your performance in school.

1. Show Determination and Persistence

When you face a difficult concept or problem in chemistry, your first instinct might be to give up or feel overwhelmed. 

However, persistence and determination can make a world of difference. 

Approach the issue with a different mind-set – a mind-set of resilience and commitment.

Follow this tips to achieve this: 

• Stay Positive: It’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t understand something at first glance. 

Instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” change your mindset to, “I haven’t figured this out yet.” 

Keep in mind that learning is a process, and it’s okay to struggle. 

The key is to keep trying and not give up.

• Put in the Effort: Sometimes, all it takes is a bit more effort. 

Dedicate more time to studying the problem that’s disturbing you. 

Read through your textbook, review your notes, and practice problems that related to it. 

The more you engage with the material, the more likely it will click. 

Practice regularly and make chemistry a part of your daily study routine. 

Repetition is key to mastering difficult concepts.

• Ask for Help: If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to ask for help. 

Reach out to your teacher, classmates, or a tutor. 

In most cases, discussing the problem with a third party can offer new ideas and make it easier to understand. 

Asking questions shows that you are willing to learn, which is a positive and proactive way to overcoming these challenges.

• Use Different Resources: Don’t rely solely on one textbook or material. 

Different books and resources might explain the same concept in various ways. 

If one explanation doesn’t make sense to you, another might. 

Use a combination of textbooks, online resources, and study guides to get a well-rounded understanding.

2. Watch Videos on YouTube, TikTok and Other Platforms

Videos are an excellent resource if you are a visual learner. 

The best part is that it can make difficult topics and concepts easy to understand. 

Social media platforms like YouTube offer a wealth of educational content that can add to what you’ve learned. 

This is how to go about it;

• Find Quality Content: Look for reputable educational channels and videos that are highly rated by other students. 

Channels like Khan Academy, CrashCourse, CopyChemistry and Tyler DeWitt are known for their clear and engaging explanations of chemistry topics. 

These videos often break down complex concepts into manageable parts and use visual aids to help you understand better.

• Use Videos for Difficult Topics: If there’s a particular topic you’re struggling with, search for videos that focus specifically on that area. 

Watching a demonstration of a chemical reaction or seeing a concept explained visually can make it easier to understand. 

Also, videos offer practical examples and real-world applications which makes the concept more relatable and easier to understand.

• Pause and Rewind: One of the advantages of using videos as a learning tool is the ability to pause and rewind. 

If you didn’t understand something, you can go back and watch it again. 

Take notes while watching to add to what you are learning. Most importantly, don’t forget to highlight key points. 

Use these notes as a reference when studying or doing homework.

• Combine Videos with Reading: Although videos are great, they shouldn’t replace reading and other study methods. 

After watching a video, go through your textbook to ensure you understand things better and gain a deeper understanding of the topic. 

Videos are a good way to complement traditional study methods. They will give you a well-rounded approach to learning.

3. Get a Private Tutor

A private tutor can give you personalized help to improve your learning. At CopyChemistry, our tutors tailor their teaching methods to match your specific needs. 

This will help you overcome whatever unique problems you’re facing, 

In no time, you’ll realise you’ll achieve your academic goals.

Here’s how to get personalized support

• Choose the Right Tutor: Finding the right tutor for you is very important and we don’t treat that with levity. 

We often assign a tutor with expertise in chemistry and experience teaching students at your level. 

Our tutors explain concepts clearly, provide practical examples, and offer personalized feedback. 

You can also read the reviews of other student’s that have used our services, parents and guardians to understand our workflow.

• Set Clear Goals: Before you start the tutoring session, set clear goals for what you want to achieve. 

This could be improving your grades, preparing for an exam, or mastering a particular topic. 

By having specific goals, helps both you and your tutor stay focused and make the most of your time together.

• Be Open to Feedback: One of the roles of our tutor is to help you learn and improve, so be open to feedback and constructive criticism. 

Use the feedback to identify areas where you need more practice and adjust. 

Being receptive to feedback can help you grow and develop your skills more effectively.

• Practise Regularly for Consistent Progress: You need to schedule regular tutoring sessions to make sure you don’t lose the gains you’ve made. 

Also, this will help you keep up with your study material. 

Regular tutoring sessions will help strengthen what you’ve learned. In addition to that, it’ll give you opportunities to ask questions, and allow you to address any difficulties. 

Never forget this, consistency is key to making progress and achieving your goals.

4. Read the Question Carefully to Understand What You’re Asked to Do 

One of the most common mistakes in chemistry exams is misreading the question. 

Understanding what the question is asking is very important if you want to find the right answer.

Here’s how not to fall prey;

• Take Your Time: Don’t rush through the question. 

Take the time to read it carefully and make sure you understand what your professor is asking. 

Look for keywords and phrases that gives you a hint on what to do, examples to be on the lookout for are “calculate,” “explain,” “describe,” or “compare.”

• Identify Important Information: Highlight or underline important information in the question. 

This might include specific values, units, or conditions that are important for solving the problem. 

By identifying such information, you can focus on what’s important and avoid getting distracted by unnecessary details.

• Break Down the Question: If the question is a little complex, break it down into smaller parts you can understand. 

Identify each part of the question and its requirements. This can help you approach the problem systematically and avoid missing any important steps.

• Clarify Your Doubts: If you’re not sure about what the question is asking you to do, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. 

Whether it’s during an exam, homework, or a class discussion, when you ask questions, you’ll understand things better and you’re most likely going to get the correct answer. 

Understanding the question fully is the first step to finding the right solution.

5. Come Up With a Method of Solving the Question

Once you understand the question, the next step is to think about how to solve it. Planning your approach can help you work more efficiently and avoid mistakes.

Let’s show you how;

• Identify Important Formulas: Start by identifying the formulas or equations that are relevant to the problem. 

Write them down and see how you can apply it to the given problem. Understanding when and how to use different formulas is important for solving chemistry problems effectively.

• Use Logical Reasoning: Think logically about the problem and what you know. 

What are the known values, and what do you need to find out? 

Use logical reasoning to connect the known information to the unknowns. 

This step-by-step approach can help you figure out the best way to solve the problem.

• Consider Multiple Approaches: Sometimes, there may be more than one way to solve a problem. 

Consider different approaches and choose the one that seems most straightforward or applicable to the given information. 

Being flexible and open to different methods can help you find the best solution.

• Stay Calm and Focused: Problem-solving can be challenging, especially under exam conditions. 

Stay calm and focused, and take your time to think through the problem. 

By rushing, you can make mistakes, so take a deep breath and approach the problem methodically.

6. Go Through the Solving Steps 

After planning your approach, it’s time to go through the solving steps. Careful execution is very important to ensure accuracy and correctness.

Here’s how to go about it; 

• Follow Every Step Systematically: Work through the problem step-by-step, following the plan you’ve prepared. 

Write down each step clearly, showing all your work. 

This helps you keep track of what you’re doing and it also makes it easy to review your work and find any mistakes.

• Pay Attention to Units and Measurements: Chemistry problems often involve specific units and measurements. 

Be careful with units, and make sure to convert them if necessary. 

Pay attention to significant figures and rounding, as these can affect the accuracy of your answer.

• Check Your Work: After solving the problem, take a moment to review your work. 

Check each step to make sure it’s correct and that you haven’t made any mistakes. 

Look at your final answer and see if it makes sense in the context of the problem. 

By double-checking your work, you spot errors that may cost you important points.

• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice solving these chemistry problems, the more comfortable and confident you’ll be. 

Practice as much questions as you come across as this will improve your problem-solving skills. 

In addition to that, it’ll also help you gain a deeper understanding of different topics. 

Remember, practicing regularly is important if you want to be an “A” student in chemistry.

7. Equip Yourself with Textbooks and Online Links

Having access to a wide array of resources can greatly improve how much you learn in Chemistry. 

Your best bet are textbooks and online resources. 

They give you various perspectives and explanations that can help you understand difficult topics better.

• Choose the Right Textbooks: Select textbooks that are recommended by your professor or tutor that are known for their clear explanations. 

On the other hand, some textbooks cover some topics comprehensively. Use them as your primary resource for studying and refer to them regularly. 

Take advantage of the examples, diagrams, and practice problems provided in these textbooks to improve yourself.

• Use Online Resources: In addition to textbooks, don’t forget to of online resources. 

Websites, online courses, and educational platforms can give you a wealth of information that can add to what you’re learning.

Search for reliable sources that offer accurate and up-to-date information. 

Use online resources to discover more about a topic that’s bugging you. 

Find extra problems you can practice with as these will make you get better.

• Use Study Guides and Notes: Study guides and notes can give you concise summaries of important formulas and things to note. 

Use these study guides as a quick reference when you’re studying or doing homework. 

Create your own study guide to help you organize information and focus on key areas.

• Ask for Recommendations: If you’re not sure about the resources to use, ask your teacher or tutor for recommendations. 

Trust me, they’re always more than willing to help. 

They can suggest textbooks, websites, or other materials that are relevant to your course and can help you learn more effectively. 

Getting guidance from someone with experience can save you time and help you find the best resources.

8. Practice Regularly and Review

Have this at the back of your mind “Practise makes perfect” 

Regular practice and reviews are important if you want to remember key information and if you want to master key chemistry concepts. 

By practising consistently, you’re doing yourself a world of good. 

You’ll get better at the topics giving you difficulty, reinforce your learning and it’ll help greatly to recall information.

Here are some tips to help you;

• Set Aside Regular Study Time: Schedule regular study sessions dedicated to chemistry alone. 

Consistency is very important if you want to retaining information and if you want to build a strong foundation in the subject. 

Make chemistry a part of your daily or weekly routine, and stick to your study schedule.

This is very important

• Stay Engaged and Motivated: Always keep a positive attitude, mindset and try to stay motivated. 

Set goals for yourself, and celebrate your progress. 

Be your biggest cheerleader as every milestone you cross should be a win in your books. 

Remember that learning is a journey, and you’ll face setbacks. 

It’s okay to have setbacks. 

Stay focused on your goals, and keep working hard to achieve them.

Conclusion

That’s a wrap, but it’s been an eventful journey. 

Remember that overcoming common challenges in learning chemistry requires a combination of determination, effective study strategies, and the use of various resources. 

By showing persistence, using visual aids like videos, getting personalized help from a CopyChemistry tutor, you’re on the path of success already. 

This will help you approach problems methodically, and you’ll eventually get to the point where you can tackle difficult topics with confidence. 

Get the right textbooks and online resources, practising regularly, and maintaining a positive attitude. 

This will go a long way in helping you improve your understanding and mastery of chemistry. 

With these eight strategies, you can become that “A” student you’ve always dreamed of.