Why can't I learn?

reply to post by fiftyfifty


Fifty I just noticed you are from the UK. I was told by a professor that grades are different over there. Example. C students can get into medical school. In the USA, impossible.

reply to post by BioChemMatt
g'day BioChemMatt
It sounds like you enjoyed organic chemistry?

Have you asked your friend, who draws the molecules from a different angle to you, why he does so?
What he relates to when he pictures it in his mind, is it different to what you relate it to?
Is his reason for learning these things any different to yours?
Are you learning this subject out of interest of your own or because it is a component of a particular course?
Do you find it any easier to learn things that get you excited or things that you want to know in order to use that knowledge?

Personally, I have the greatest difficulty learning things that I have difficulty relating to in a way that's meaningful to me.
When it comes to things that I love doing, the learning comes easy as a child being excited at Christmas.
It was explained to me quite some time ago now that it's all about aligning your own personal core values with the subject at hand.

For example, I love programming, and any chance I get to learn a new coding method or technology gets me all tingly with excitement and I soak up the learning and start putting it to practice straight away.
I'm not that interested in Facebook, It's OK, I have a FB page but I find it difficult to soak up all the features of the site and feel like a bit of a dill at times only because I couldn't care less about knowing FB.

If you are not quite sure what your core values are, as most people don't seem to, it could be IS a good idea to spend some time finding out what they are, only you know them.

If this is making any sense, my suggestion is to find a way to feel connected to the subject, make it important, not just for passing tests, but to your long term goals to want to have that information at hand.

I may or may not be stating the obvious here, but how much sleep do you get? I found in university that going to bed at 10 or 11 after studying, rather than going until 2 in the morning (or worse!) before an exam was better than studying late into the night/next morning. I know it's not always possible, as there are deadlines and such, but do not underestimate the benefit of being well-rested.

I'd also stay away from medications unless they are absolutely required. Having said that, however, sometimes it is necessary. I myself started taking medication in my first year of university when diagnosed with a particular problem, and after that first year I did a lot better.

Another thing to consider (if it is an option) is to take lighter courseloads and spend longer on the degree or take summer courses or something. I couldn't afford summer courses (I had to work to pay for my schooling) but I did spend 5 years taking a 4 year degree by spreading out my courseload over that time, which helped a great deal.

Thx all for replying, it really means alot.

I have asked my friend why he draws or thinks of the molecules in a certain way. He told me he just saw them at that angle in his head.

If you are familiar with organic chemistry, than you would know that a dashed line means that the molecule is facing away from you and that a solid line means that its coming out at you. I always would see the molecules in a different orientation than he would.

Ill show this example by explaining a easy molecule to see; H2O. This molecule has a Oxygen in the middle with two H's connected to it , but spread out b/c of their size. He would draw the molecule as the two H's coming OUT of the paper towards you. Stating that what he saw in his head was just that. But I would see a oxygen molecule with Two hydrogens Facing AWAY from me. Always reverse.

I Once watched a video on youtube of a ballerina dancing. If you saw the dancer rotating a certain way that is what side of the brain you use. We would always see the dancer dancing opposite directions while watching the video together.

I think I dont learn in class , I have to teach my self stuff. Some students go to class, pick it up there, while im lost in the solar system staring at super novas. But when I get home I crack the book open and really read and look up things I dont understand with the legendary google.

Ill let everyone know how this semester gos with my classes.

I took one of the posters advice and dropped my course load to see how that helped.

Thanks alot to everyone,

-matt

Dont know if you stated this, skimmed through but what is your major ?
Are you a creative ?

reply to post by BioChemMatt

How interested are you in those topics you study?? I myself have great difficulty learning something i dont care much about. I learn very fast if i study something i am interested in.

Originally posted by R3KR
Dont know if you stated this, skimmed through but what is your major ?
Are you a creative ?

My major is Biology with a minor in Physical Science. I think I am creative, but not the best artist.

Originally posted by juleol
reply to post by BioChemMatt

 

How interested are you in those topics you study?? I myself have great difficulty learning something i dont care much about. I learn very fast if i study something i am interested in.

I am very interested in plants and how they work. Some of the courses I take are just requirements for my major, such as organic chemistry. The course was interesting, but I couldn't grasp it as well as I wanted and because of that told myself "I just wont ever be a organic chemist". I want to take biochemistry and plan to in the fall, after I graduate. I am just attracted to hard classes, stuff that is challenging. When I was in high school I thought I was going to be a lawyer, but after a few "law like" classes, I turned my shoulder. I just can't figure out how to be that A student in the classes. I am currently doing research and to be honest I have fun doing it, because Its all hands on learning with a professor hovering over my back making sure I don't mess up. I did good in chemistry 1 and 2, but I studied very hard. I tried the same study techniques with organic and it just wasn't happening. Some people are saying, well you have done good to get where you are, but what I am saying, is that in this fast paced world its all about the grades. I mean a study abroad program I want to get on requires a 3.5 GPA for a scholarship, which I dont have, but want more than anything to do this program.

On a good note, I was able to leave my part time job and focus 100% on school this semester. I think the added hours of study will pay off.

reply to post by BioChemMatt


This is nothing to get worked up about. I have noticed that some people may excel in certain things but they lack the ability for other things. In example, doctors, usually, know how to take care of people's bodies and know how to become healthier. That same doctor is probably a person who is unhealthy and goes against the advise he gives others. A fitness trainer doesn't know the same things as the doctor but the trainer can give the doctor a healthier way of life.

You are a bright person who can probably go through any kind of schooling. However, you most likely could have gotten easy A's going through a different program. You never know, you could have went through law school getting easy A's but chose to go through the science field getting B's.

I am not saying this is bad but your brain could have been suited better elsewhere. A place that you probably hate to be in.

Originally posted by Equinox99
reply to post by BioChemMatt

 

This is nothing to get worked up about. I have noticed that some people may excel in certain things but they lack the ability for other things. In example, doctors, usually, know how to take care of people's bodies and know how to become healthier. That same doctor is probably a person who is unhealthy and goes against the advise he gives others. A fitness trainer doesn't know the same things as the doctor but the trainer can give the doctor a healthier way of life.

You are a bright person who can probably go through any kind of schooling. However, you most likely could have gotten easy A's going through a different program. You never know, you could have went through law school getting easy A's but chose to go through the science field getting B's.

I am not saying this is bad but your brain could have been suited better elsewhere. A place that you probably hate to be in.

You are probably right and what you say makes a lot of sense. I don't think law school is out of the picture yet, they accept most majors including biology. Its just frustrating! I am almost finished with school and still not completely sure what I want to do with my life. I just hope I don't end up like my fathers cousin and stay in school for 30+ years. Ive been really thinking about coming back and just taking a variety of classes, from physical therapy type stuff to drawing I and II. Maybe ill find my path that way.... who knows

Today I read a article about learning. It stated that test taking actually helps you learn rather than cramming or even studying in advance.

I'm going to take the material i'm learning this semester and make my own test for it. Apparently this is the way to go.

reply to post by BioChemMatt



Told ya. Past papers are th way forward!