General Organic and Biochemistry

Just as some researchers study chemical change, others study learning. The two are related: there are measurable changes in the brain as learning occurs. While the research on brain chemistry and learning continues, the research on learning has taught us some very successful strategies for teaching and learning chemistry. For instance, we now know that building long-term memory requires “repetitions.” When you exercise to build muscle strength, you perform some number of “reps” of each exercise for each muscle that you wish to build. That is exactly what you need to do to build your long-term memory and understanding. The Center for Academic Success at the Louisiana State University has devised study tools that have allowed students to improve their performance by a full letter grade, or higher. The following is the Study Cycle with five stages that provide the “reps” needed to perform well in any course