Chemistry is one of the most important science subjects in secondary school, especially for students preparing for WAEC and NECO examinations. It explains how substances behave, react, and change in everyday life. However, many secondary school students believe chemistry is too hard. This belief often leads to fear, poor performance, and failure in exams.
The truth is that chemistry is not impossible. Students struggle mainly because of how the subject is taught, studied, and understood. This article explains why secondary school students find chemistry difficult and provides simple, practical ways to overcome these problems, especially for WAEC and NECO success.
1. Chemistry Concepts Are Abstract and Hard to Imagine
Many chemistry topics deal with things students cannot see, such as atoms, molecules, ions, and electrons. Topics like atomic structure, bonding, and chemical reactions require imagination. This affects chemistry students because most students like to memorize instead of understanding the subject, for this reason, most students are confused whenever a question that requires explanation is presented before them.
To overcome this problem, students should studying chemistry by using diagrams, chats and drawings. the should also learn to relate chemistry in their daily life activities for examples rusting of iron, cooking and burning fuel. they should learn how to draw atomic models, laboratory setups and equations.
2. Weak Mathematics Foundation
Chemistry involves calculations in topics such as mole concept, stoichiometry, gas laws, and concentration of solutions. For students, who are afraid of mathematics, chemistry calculation will be a big problem. Such students will be losing marks due to wrong calculations in exams.
This is why a chemistry student should have basic knowledge in mathematics like fractions, ratios, percentages and simple algebra. the student should also learn chemistry calculations step by step and regularly practice with past questions
3. Too Much Memorization Instead of Understanding
Most students refer cramming equations, definitions and reactions without knowing their meaning. This leads to failure in the exams because memorized facts are easily forgotten during exams. Again, exams questions are designed to test students understanding, not cramming. To be grounded in chemistry, students should understand the meaning of formulae and reactions. students should able to ask "why" and "how" while studying . using summary notes and concept maps , can be helpful.
4. Poor Teaching Methods and Lack of Practical Classes
Some schools rush through the syllabus or do not conduct enough practical lessons. chemistry is boring and confusing without practical classes. This results to poor performance in practical and theory exams. The use of recommended textbooks and online learning videos . Students can form study groups with classmates and attend extra lessons when available.
5. Chemistry Has Many New Terms and Symbols
Chemistry uses symbols, formulas, equations, and scientific terms that students are not used to. Some students mix up symbols and definitions, some have problems with balancing of chemical equations. To get over these problems, Students should create a personal chemistry notebook, practice writing symbols and equations daily also learn the meanings of common terms clearly.
6. Lack of Regular Practice
Chemistry requires constant practice, not last-minute reading. Most students do even have personal reading time table which shows that they don't read and some that managed to create time table the ir are using the time table as decoration. What most chemistry students fail to understand is that chemistry topics connect to each other. So, if a child forget earlier topics before exams, the child will have problem with the questions. Chemistry students should study a little chemistry daily, solve past questions and revise previous topics weekly.
7. Fear and Negative Attitude Towards Chemistry
Many students believe chemistry is only for very intelligent students but it is not true. this belief is dangerous. fear reduces confidence and leads students giving up easily. To understand chemistry, you should first believe that anyone can learn it. be ready to make mistakes and learn to celebrate each improvement you make. that is the spirit!
Conclusion
Chemistry is challenging, but it is not impossible for secondary school students. Most difficulties come from poor understanding, weak mathematics skills, lack of practice, and fear. By studying regularly, understanding concepts, practicing calculations, using past questions, and maintaining a positive mindset, students can succeed in chemistry and perform well in WAEC and NECO examinations.
With the right study habits, chemistry can become one of your strongest subjects.
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