Question

Study Guide

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STEP 1: Imagine that one of your best friends is struggling with his classes. He aspires to
graduate in exercise science and go on to earn a degree in occupational therapy, but he failed
his first two chemistry exams. He's feeling nervous about his performance and comes to you
for advice. During your discussion, you learn that:
• he gets easily frustrated

while working on chemistry problems after approaching them
the way he has always approached problems in his other classes
• he is sleeping less than five hours a night
he works on chemistry homework every Tuesday and Thursday night, but not on other
days
• he always keeps his phone on vibrate to check if he gets messages while he studies
he usually studies by re-reading the chapter
he pulls all-nighters before exams

Answer 1

Improving study habits in chemistry involves getting adequate sleep, studying regularly, minimizing distractions, using active study techniques, and seeking additional help when needed. Consistent effort and proper rest are key to better performance in chemistry.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a student aspiring to graduate in exercise science and earn a degree in occupational therapy, excelling in chemistry is crucial. If your friend is feeling overwhelmed and his current study habits are not leading to success, he should consider implementing new strategies. First, improving sleep is essential; less than five hours a night is likely detrimental to cognitive functions and memory consolidation. Encouraging him to aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep could make a significant difference.

Next, frequent, shorter study sessions rather than cramming may help with retention. Instead of working on chemistry only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, suggest daily review sessions. Turning off his phone or setting it to 'Do Not Disturb' could also lessen distractions. Rather than just rereading chapters, active studying techniques like flashcards or joining study groups might be more effective. These groups provide different perspectives and the opportunity to test understanding through teaching others.

Pulling all-nighters, especially before exams, is counterproductive. It's better to review the material over time and get a good night's rest before a test. Ultimately, if he's still struggling, visiting the academic success center or office hours with the professor can provide personalized assistance. Tell him not to be too hard on himself; mastering chemistry, like learning any new language, takes time and practice.