Chemistry can be overwhelming. Students are expected to master complex concepts, solve unfamiliar problems and perform under pressure on high-stakes exams. That's why choosing the right learning platform can make all the difference in turning timid students into confident chemists.
At the end of the Spring 2026 semester, we surveyed 1,141 Aktiv Chemistry student users to learn how the platform impacted their learning experience. Their responses point to a clear theme: students value opportunities to practice, receive feedback and learn from mistakes in a low-stress environment that helps them succeed. With a platform like Aktiv, chemistry is no longer viewed as a daunting subject but instead as one that connects to every aspect of the world around us.
Deep understanding starts with active learning
Many students struggle because chemistry concepts can feel abstract until they apply them. Aktiv Chemistry helps bridge that gap through interactive problem-solving that turns passive learning into active practice. This past semester, 93 percent of students said solving problems in Aktiv during class deepened their understanding of course material, while 94 percent said Lewis Structure activities helped them learn better. Take a closer look at how Aktiv’s interactive problem types support deeper knowledge retention below.
Students consistently described how working through problems helped concepts click. In practice, this often meant providing several opportunities to apply knowledge. “I enjoyed how interactive the Aktiv platform is, allowing you to practice problems like drawing structures, and having multiple attempts to ensure understanding,” shared one student from Texas A&M University. Chemistry students particularly applaud Aktiv’s ability to serve up targeted questions based on their completion and correctness levels, helping students wrestle with complex topics like solubility or chemical bonding in a low-stakes environment.
Confidence grows when students can learn from mistakes
One of the biggest barriers to success in chemistry isn't ability—it's uncertainty. Students often don't know why an answer is wrong, making it difficult to improve. That's where feedback matters. Ninety-four (94) percent of students said Aktiv increased their confidence in understanding chemistry concepts, and 90 percent said Aktiv's targeted feedback helped them succeed in the course.
Students repeatedly pointed to explanations, hints, and multiple opportunities to try again as the features that made the biggest difference. In students’ own words, they appreciated being able to uncover their mistakes right away and address their learning gaps earlier than later. Another student appreciated that feedback didn't simply mark answers wrong—it helped gently guide them towards the right path without giving away the solution. By turning mistakes into learning moments, Aktiv helps students build confidence instead of anxiety.
Better preparedness for chemistry success
Confidence and understanding matter because they lead to better outcomes. Students reported that Aktiv's combination of practice problems mixed with feedback helped them feel more prepared for exams and coursework throughout the semester. Our latest survey data showed that students—particularly in introductory and general chemistry courses—felt the level of difficulty in Aktiv prepared them to solve exam problems independently. The ability to self-test and complete problems in an interactive interface has dramatically changed student outcomes. For instance, 93 percent of students said that Aktiv Chemistry improved their grades.
Ninety-two (92) percent of students also indicated that Aktiv was better than other online learning products they’ve used. Many respondents value Aktiv for encouraging higher-order thinking and less emphasis on memorizing formulae. When students can practice without fear, receive meaningful feedback, and understand the reasoning behind answers, they become more confident learners—and more successful chemistry students.
See How Aktiv Supports Chemistry Courses
Test out our platform with a free instructor playground account and access to our content library by scheduling a demo of Aktiv Chemistry.
