Dear counsellor,I have come to realise that I’m weak in chemistry yet it’s one of the priority subjects. In the past I have tried to revise for long hours but still the results are unpleasant. Please advise me on other alternative methods I can try to improve on my grades.

Yours, Mercy

Chemistry is not as discouraging as it seems, it’s all about following simple rules to accelerate understanding and retention levels. Repeated use of these rules builds understanding and confidence as well as increases your academic performance. Even the worst performance could turn out successful if you break old habits and adopt new better tools as well as work on your attitude towards the subject.

Be prepared physically, mentally and emotionally! Tell yourself that you are willing to learn and perform better plus get equipped with all the scholastic equipment you need to use like your books and notes. During practical lessons in the chemistry laboratory, get actively engaged in the lesson and show your teacher how serious you are by paying maximum attention as well as take notes on observations made there. Teachers will facilitate your learning more rapidly once you show enthusiasm. If you don’t comprehend something, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher and by doing your assignment right after the class, it won’t be hard recalling the said lesson. Make discussion groups with friends who are good at physics along with the internet, materials, online quizzes and practice by yourself on any given problem you find disturbing. Don’t skip class and try to motivate yourself by routinely revising books much earlier before exams to allow your brain get familiar with both simple and complex chemistry formulas.

Eat nutritious foods to boost your brain-body connection and drink lots of water to keep hydrated. Be pretty relaxed while you are studying. Excessive anxiety can cause you to lose focus and make mistakes. Review the notes on anything that isn’t your strongest point and focus on that. Remember, whatever the mind can conceive and believe to be possible, you can achieve without much effort. With the right attitude and proper time management don’t lose hope. You will pass the subject.