- Why should I consider enrolling for the Organic course?
Anecdotal and empirical evidence tells us that many, otherwise excellent high school students, find their courses in Organic chemistry at college, extremely challenging. Just ask your parents, teachers or older siblings who have gone through it and they will probably tell you just how hard it can be! Many of these college courses are designed to weed out the weaker students from over-subscribed courses like Pre-Med and represent a significant hurdle for even the brightest students. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly Organic chemistry is hard! Secondly, and perhaps more profoundly, even if you have achieved the "Gold Standard" in high school chemistry (a high score on the AP exam), you will still have not been exposed to much (if any) Organic chemistry. Similarly, other high school chemistry courses seldom contain much (if any) organic components. The purpose of this course is to introduce some of the fundamentals of this challenging area of chemistry and aims to give students a significant advantage over their peers later in their college education.
- Who can and who should apply to enroll in the Organic course?
Any student who has taken a high school course in chemistry who is considering any kind of science related major at college should consider applying. The material is challenging so an AP or Honors background is preferred, but a lack of one does not necessarily exclude a student. Applications are invited from all high school students, as well as those who have already graduated. All applications are considered on their own merit and enthusiasm and a willingnes to learn are important factors in their own right.
- How is the Organic course organized?
The course is taught by initially delivering material in a lecture style. The material is then reinforced and applied through teacher-led worked examples, worksheets of related questions, homeworks and, less frequently, laboratory work.
- How long is the course?
The course is taught as part of Westminster's Summer School program over fifteen half-days during the summer vacation.
- How is the Organic course assessed?
The course is assessed by formal testing (40%), homework grading (35%) and final examination (25%).
- Do I get academic credit?
Yes, the course counts as a one-semester elective credit.
- How often are students tested?
At the end of every topic, approximately once every two or three days.
- What are the tests like?
Tests consist of a section of multiple choice questions followed by a section of short answer, free response questions. Occasionally the format may differ slightly, e.g. consist only of one type of question.
| FAQ's relating to Private Tuition
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- Why should I consider private chemistry tuition for my high school aged son or daughter?
Many high school students find that chemistry is a challenging subject for a variety of reasons. Those reasons include the intellectual demands of the subject, difficulties with the mathematical aspects of chemistry and problems associated with the instruction they are receiving at school (often related to issues such as class size and teaching.) As a result, many students will fail to reach their full potential in the subject. Private tuition will help the student reach that potential. This may be a question of simply getting them to pass the subject, become the chemistry valedictorian or any point in between. The extra help that a student receives from private tuition removes many of the obstacles that they may be experiencing at school. The one-on-one attention and tailored sessions they receive will be extremely beneficial.
- Should I consider a cheaper alternative to an experienced teacher, for example a graduate student?
Typically, otherwise very intelligent graduate students with good subject knowledge, will lack three crucial qualities. Firstly they are likely to be very inexperienced teachers. Secondly they may have a very tenuous grasp of what is required of high school students and as a result fail to pitch their instruction at the correct level. Thirdly they lack the formal professional qualifications and training that an experienced teacher will possess. The combination of these shortcomings is likely to result in tuition that is ineffective.
- How can I ensure that my son or daughter gets the most from their tuition?
Students and their parents must communicate, and agree, about the need for tuition. It is highly unlikely that effective tuition will take place when the student is receiving tuition under duress. This can make for difficult and awkward circumstances that are not conducive to learning. A co-operative attitude is required for maximum benefit.
- Where and when does tuition take place?
I prefer to conduct sessions in the students home if at all possible. A quiet place to work is essential. It is most comfortable for all parties if an adult be present at home when tuition is taking place. If this is not possible, public places like coffee shops, bookstores and libraries offer alternatives. The majority of my tuition work takes place at the end of the school day and early evenings. Occasionally weekend sessions are possible.
- How often do you meet tutees?
For the majority of the school year most tutees prefer to meet for one hour each week. However, this is entirely flexible and either more sessions or longer sessions can be arranged by agreement in relation to need. Closer to exam time it is more common for extra hours of tuition to be arranged.
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