You don’t need to be a chemistry expert to help your child master complex A-Level chemistry content. One of the most powerful learning techniques—ironically—requires your child to be the teacher.
This strategy is known as the Feynman Technique, named after Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman. His belief was simple yet revolutionary:
“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”
This concept of “to teach is to learn” works incredibly well for subjects like chemistry, where students often grapple with abstract ideas and dense equations. By teaching you, your child is not only reinforcing their understanding but also uncovering areas where they need further clarification.
How to Start This at Home
You don’t need a formal setting or a science degree to get started. In fact, the more casual and curious you seem, the better.
Choose a Topic They Just Learned
Pick a recent topic from school—maybe atomic structure, chemical bonding, or titrations especially if they’ve just covered it during H2 Chemistry tuition. The fresher the topic, the more likely they are to attempt explaining it without reverting to rote memorization.
Ask Them to Break It Down Like a Class
Encourage your child to:
- Use simple language
- Give examples
- Draw diagrams or use analogies
For instance, if they’re learning about covalent bonding, they might compare it to two people sharing a pizza (electrons). Don’t worry about understanding every word—your role is simply to listen attentively and ask follow-up and basic chemistry questions like:
- “Why does that happen?”
- “Can you give me another example?”
- “What would happen if we changed X?”
What You Should Pay Attention To
Your child’s explanation will reveal far more than a test score ever could.
Gaps in Their Explanation = Opportunities for Review
If they pause, stumble, or can’t explain a key part, it’s a clear signal that the concept needs revisiting. That’s not a failure—it’s valuable feedback. Make a note of the weak spots and encourage them to revise or look it up again.
Example: If they can name the parts of an atom but can’t explain the difference between protons and neutrons, that’s an area to explore together.
Confidence in Delivery = Signs of Mastery
On the flip side, if they teach with enthusiasm, clarity, and creativity, it shows deep understanding. The ability to connect concepts and simplify complex ideas indicates they’re not just memorizing—they’re internalizing.
Make It Fun and Habitual
Repetition and enjoyment are key to making “teach to learn” stick.
Try 5-Minute “Teach Me” Sessions
Set aside just five minutes before dinner or bedtime for a quick “lesson.” You might say:
- “Teach me one thing you learned in chemistry today.”
- “Pretend I’m your classmate who missed school—what do I need to know?”
It’s short enough to be non-intimidating, but frequent enough to build a strong habit as part of a consistent chemistry study plan.
Use Tools to Make It Visual
Don’t be afraid to bring out:
- A mini whiteboard for drawing molecular structures
- Post-it notes to label diagrams
- iPads or digital sketchpads for interactive explanations
The act of visualizing while teaching further improves comprehension and recall. You’re not just helping them study—you’re helping them process information more deeply.
Conclusion
You don’t need to correct your child or quiz them aggressively. Your job is to be their learning mirror—someone they can explain things to, reflect with, and grow beside.
This simple practice turns your home into a mini-classroom, where learning becomes conversational, not just academic but also helping your child in mastering chemistry over time..
So the next time your child walks in from chemistry class, resist the urge to ask, “Did you understand it?” Instead, try this:
“Great! Can you teach it to me?”
You’ll be amazed at how powerful that one question can be.