A strength in the atomic theory unit for me was understanding ionization energy and knowing which elements have a higher or lower first ionization energy. I had difficulty remembering the names of the families on the periodic table and memorizing the orbital shell order because I was not good at memorizing raw numerical information. Something I was good at in the bonding unit was classifying bonds as ionic, polar covalent, or non-polar covalent. I struggled with understanding what happens to the potential energy when 2 atoms bond together because I had a weaker grasp on the theory versus memorizing the structures and bond types. I did well completing simple conversions from moles to any other unit but I had trouble when I had to do multiple conversions because I would miss one step and get the final answer wrong. I also didn’t remember how to find the mass of one atom of an element.

 

End of term:

I believe that my critical thinking has improved during the last couple weeks of class. I have developed studying strategies that involve only me which forces me to think critically instead of turning to peers for help. For example, in the organic chemistry unit, I completed the review sheet and extra practice multiple times on my own using memorization strategies by myself. When I encountered a question I couldn’t answer, I had to think hard to figure out what to do. I am still working towards developing problem solving skills. Despite my working alone, a lot of the units past the midterm involved a lot of memorization, and I did not get the mark I wanted on the solutions test. I will work towards improving by doing trying harder to stick to difficult questions without asking for help, and pushing myself to attempt more difficult questions.