Chemistry students react to class changes
Photo Credit: Christopher Godfree-Thom
Brashier student Michael Stemple studies for chemistry
Christopher Godfree-Thom, Journalist
February 16, 2012
Filed under News
“I had a horrible freshman year. I was in danger of failing. I got my first test back and it was an F,” says Chemistry Teacher Greg Grabowski regarding his college algebra class.
While students may find it difficult to see their teacher as struggling in school, Grabowski says his later success was a result of about 80% effort, 20% intelligence. Grabowski also says he understands students’ concerns regarding the subject he teaches- chemistry. “Chemistry is very abstract, but the question is whether or not [students] are willing to do the work that is necessary.”
Some Brashier students say they do the work, but that it has had little affect on chemistry. This quarter, the halls have been riddled with their complaints.
“I have some trouble understanding because I can’t associate those things with the real world,” says Junior Brooke Gooch. “It’s not like I haven’t been trying.” Gooch says despite studying for around three hours every other day, the information does not stick.
Some students did not master the information first semester or are not willing to put in the effort required, says Grabowski. While the offer for extra help was given, only a couple students per week ask for assistance.
Sophomore Frank Guida says he doesn’t ask for help because Grabowski has class favorites, and Guida dislikes Grabowski’s teaching style. “I’ve been struggling. Part of me tells myself that I can’t control it, and another part says I’ve given up. I’ve half given up. I feel like I’m disappointing not only myself, but also my parents. At this point, there’s not much I can do about it.”
Despite Grabowski’s efforts to incorporate more analogies to help students understand technical ideas, other students say they face similar circumstances to Guida’s. Junior Dianna McKinnie says, “It’s been hard and frustrating.” Finding out how to determine the formulas has been her biggest difficulty. McKinnie understands why others struggle with the subject. “[Students] don’t understand it, and they don’t really want to understand it.”
Grabowski says, “You have to learn to cope with the world how it is. If you apply enough effort, you can achieve big things.”
But while the difficulty feels almost universal, there are those who disagree. Junior Brandon Biera says chemistry is not that difficult, and that he doesn’t ever study. “They aren’t trying hard enough,” says Biera. “Seventy-five percent aren’t trying. If you don’t pass, it’s your fault.”
Despite requiring more work to understand, Grabowski says everyone is capable of passing his class. “I think my expectations are realistic.”
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