memorising or practice questions? (1 Viewer)

[princesspiggy]

when studying for chem (hsc and trials)
should u focus more on memorising the content or just doing a bunch of practice questions and papers?

 

[Isit_actually?]

For science subjects, I avoid relying too much on memorisation because under exam pressure, it’s easy to forget. I find that properly understanding the content and doing practice questions together helps build stronger connections between topics. This is especially true for Physics, which isn’t as much of a “cram-heavy” subject compared to Chemistry.

 

[coolcat6778]

For physics u want to memorise stuff for module 7 and 8 (cause its pretty much required)



This is the only HSC physics question that requires thinking rather than shitty rote learning

 

[Isit_actually?]

For physics u want to memorise stuff for module 7 and 8 (cause its pretty much required)

View attachment 48590
This is the only HSC physics question that requires thinking rather than shitty rote learning

While you’re partially correct, I personally see these topics as connected stories.
Take Module 8 for example the charge-to-mass ratio, Rutherford’s gold foil experiment, and the neutron discovery are all part of a chronological chain of discoveries, each leading to the next. That way, you can actually understand them rather than force yourself to memorise. Also, the question you gave is more of an application-based one. Even with memorising the formula, someone could solve it by plugging in strategic/fake values, keeping certain parts constant, and just working out the proportionality.

 

[coolcat6778]

While you’re partially correct, I personally see these topics as connected stories.
Take Module 8 for example the charge-to-mass ratio, Rutherford’s gold foil experiment, and the neutron discovery are all part of a chronological chain of discoveries, each leading to the next. That way, you can actually understand them rather than force yourself to memorise. Also, the question you gave is more of an application-based one. Even with memorising the formula, someone could solve it by plugging in strategic/fake values, keeping certain parts constant, and just working out the proportionality.

part b of the question is the hard part. I think it's the hardest proper quantitative question in the HSC

 

[wizzkids]

when studying for chem (hsc and trials)
should u focus more on memorising the content or just doing a bunch of practice questions and papers?

You should do as many graded practice questions as necessary.
I will answer using a musical analogy.
Imagine you are a concert pianist, and you have to perform Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata".
Are you going to get out the musical score and read it from front to back and make notes,
or
are you going to read while playing at the same time, repeating the hardest bits until you master them, and thereby training your central nervous system how to move your hands and fingers?
We all know the answer - it is the second method.
The second method engages at least three parts of the brain, and will produce the strongest learning. You have to practice practice practice.