Reply (Coursework Sample)

Reply to Johan Martinez. Hi Johan, I agree with your method of studying for the chemistry final and the fact that you focus more on structured reviewing and active problem solving and not rereading. The division of subjects into smaller portions and adherence to a definite roadmap of solving problems is an efficient approach to calculations related to stoichiometry, gas laws, and thermochemistry. I also concur that the verbal explanation of concepts enhances comprehension and aids in detecting gaps in knowledge. Of special interest to me is your emphasis on dimensional analysis: a large number of errors in chemistry are due to unit conversion errors, but not conceptual misconceptions. Your practices are supported by research, and it is evident that retrieval-based learning and repeated practice are crucial to increasing retention and solving problems in the long term (Brown et al., 2014). The topics you defined to be clarified further, particularly the laws of gases relating to the vapour pressure and the intermolecular force, are typical pitfalls, and it is a beneficial decision to spend additional practice on them as we head towards the final examination. ReferenceBrown, P. C., Roediger, H. L., & McDaniel, M. A. (2014). Make it stick: The science of successful learning. Harvard University Press.   Reply to Ana Maria Medina I concur with the use of active recall, summaries and practice problems in place of passive rereading. I also enjoy putting notes in categories, such as formulas, definitions, common mistakes, and examples, as that is the way exams are used to test concepts and calculations. It is also clever to study in shorter portions throughout the week when learning chemistry, as the repetition makes the accuracy better and lessens the test anxiety. The good habit to follow with intermolecular forces is to mention the st...