I’m having a tough time (repost)
I created a new account because the one I made years ago feels outdated, but I forgot that I can’t post right away.
Anyway, just disregard that.
Hey, I’m not sure how to begin, but I’ve been really struggling with my grades this year, particularly in chemistry.
In that class, I find it incredibly hard to grasp anything at all, especially with my teacher’s strong accent making it even more challenging to understand her explanations.
Right now, we’re focusing on naming ionic and molecular compounds, and I’m having a hard time memorizing the material because we have so little time to study.
If anyone has any tips or quick methods for learning this stuff, I would greatly appreciate it. My grades so far have been 70 for the first marking period and 60 for the second.
We’re currently in the third marking period, and if I don’t pass the next two, I’ll have to attend summer school, which is really stressing my parents out.
Please, if anyone has any advice on how to better retain this information, I would be so grateful. Thank you!
Hey there! It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time, and I just want to say that it’s totally okay to ask for help. Chemistry can be really challenging, especially with a language barrier.
For naming ionic and molecular compounds, here are a few tips that might help you:
Flashcards: Create flashcards for common ions and their charges. On one side, write the name of the ion, and on the back, write the formula. This can help with memorization.
Mnemonic Devices: Try to come up with little phrases or acronyms to help you remember the rules for naming compounds. For example, “Nick the Camel ate a Clam for Supper in Phoenix” can help you remember the polyatomic ions.
Compare Examples: Look for examples of both ionic and molecular compounds, and practice naming them. Start with simple compounds and gradually move to more complex ones.
Online Resources: Websites like Khan Academy or YouTube have helpful videos that explain concepts in simple terms and can provide visual examples, which might make it easier to understand.
Study Groups: If you can, find a friend or classmate who understands the material better. Studying together can be really helpful, and they might be able to explain things in a way that makes more sense to you.
Talk to Your Teacher: If possible, try reaching out to your teacher after class or during office hours. Don’t hesitate to let them know that you’re having trouble understanding, and see if they can provide extra resources or help.
Remember, you’re not alone in this, and many people find chemistry challenging. Just keep trying, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You’ve got this! Good luck!