Colin Calabrese of Wilmington, NC is a graduate of both Cornell University and Washington University where he received his PhD in Chemistry. Colin Calabrese is currently active in organic chemistry research and is a highly sought tutor in the subject, offering in-person and remote lessons. In the following article, Colin Calabrese discusses strategies for studying and mastering the subject, with time management, practice problems and peer tutoring.
Organic chemistry can present several challenges. Without the knowledge and strategies to overcome these challenges or at least meet them head-on, it can be difficult to gain mastery of the subject.
According to an article posted by the Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, the most
important tips a student can follow to master the subject of organic chemistry are managing time well, participating in peer tutoring, and practicing organic chemistry problems.
In this article, Colin Calabrese reviews these strategies for success in mastering organic chemistry.
Colin Calabrese on Strategies for Mastery
Colin Calabrese of Wilmington, NC explains that mastery of any given topic is already a lofty goal. A student looking to understand the ins and outs of organic chemistry, specifically, has picked a challenging subject to grasp. It can be very overwhelming to try and decide the best study plan, or even lifestyle, to accomplish that goal.
The following skills discussed below are not only useful for all areas of life and learning but can be particularly helpful when what a student wants to learn is the difficult but rewarding subject of organic chemistry. Colin Calabrese explains each strategy in greater detail below.
Time Management
Colin Calabrese indicates that management of time is often the hardest part of tackling one’s work. This is true in every field of work and all areas of study, too. However, it is undeniable that time management must be at the top of an organic chemistry student’s to-do list if they want to be successful in mastery of the subject.
According to industry experts, two hours out of each day, or fourteen hours out of every week while enrolled in classes, should be spent studying. In fact, for every hour spent in a class, two more should be added to the schedule of a student and set aside exclusively for studying.
There is no way to gain more time in a day, even for the most ambitious of students. However, managing the time efficiently is a sure path to success. As far as tips for mastery go, consider putting a time constraint in place suggests Colin Calabrese.
It is much easier to focus and accomplish a set amount of studying when one acts on the belief that one only has a few hours to do it. Consider framing study time around a particular daily event, like an established mealtime, to guarantee it will be accomplished with a sense of urgency.
Practice Problems
Colin Calabrese of Wilmington, NC says that working on organic chemistry problems, even when they are not required, can hone a student’s mental focus on the subject. Not only that, but it is useful in revealing gaps a student may not have been aware of in their own knowledge.
For instance, if a mistake is made during a practice round of problems, specifically in the area of a mechanism of reaction, a student will understand that this is an area of their knowledge that needs more improvement.
This not only leads to stronger focus, but helps a student prioritize what they spend time studying during their limited hours to do so.
Peer Tutoring
Finally, Colin Calabrese explains that the most important strategy, by far, in trying to successfully master organic chemistry, is to
seek help from others. According to surveys conducted on students who sought help before a midterm exam in the subject, the odds of success skyrocket when additional office hours of professors are made use of, as well as peer tutoring.
Gaining help from those who are either further along in Organic Chemistry, or simply have a different range of studying strengths and weaknesses, can only increase one’s chance of success.
In Conclusion
Mastering the subject of organic chemistry is all about having the best strategy. It is a challenging subject, but with proper time management, devoted to practicing chemistry problems and seeking peer tutoring, it is a rewarding one.
