Many people have feared in organic chemistry. They could not understand how the different shapes and sizes of the organic compounds can determine the types of reaction they would undergo. At first glance of the structures, some people would start to panic.
I have seen and met many people who have feared in organic chemistry. Some of them are afraid of it due to the way their teachers or lecturers taught them. The teachers and lecturers might have adopted the wrong method in teaching organic chemistry. The approach must be done slowly and teach them the logic behind organic chemistry. What is organic? Why do we study organic chemistry? What is the importance of it? Does it has any effect on the environment? Finally, let them appreciate the study of organic chemistry. In addition, time is also a problem.
We have similar goals: Yours is to learn organic chemistry, and mine is to do everything possible to help you to learn. It's going to require some work on your part, but the following hints should prove helpful:
As you begin reading an organic chemistry book, look it over first. Read the introductory paragraphs of each chapters, find out what topics will be covered, and then turn to the end of the chapter and read the summary. You'll be in a much better position to understand new material if you first have a general idea of where you're going.
There are no shortcuts here; working problems is the only way to learn organic chemistry. Try to attempt questions that could be found at the end of the chapter. The practice problems show you how to approach the material.Try some questions.
Teachers and lecturers are there to help you. Most of them will turn out to be genuinely nice people with sincere interest in helping you learn.
Organic chemistry is a three dimensional science. Although some books uses many drawings to help you visualize molecules, there's no substitute for building a molecular model and turning it around in you hands.