What do Professors recommend for Full textbook study?

In summary, professors often skip certain chapters in a textbook due to time limitations and the expectation that students may already have some background knowledge. This is especially true in courses with specialized topics, which may be covered in more detail in future courses. While it may be beneficial for students to read the entire textbook, it is not always necessary if they are able to understand the main concepts being taught.
  • #1
BioCore
Hi,

I guess this is a question that is directed more towards any of the Professors here at the forums, although anyone with advice is more than welcome to. I always wondered why Professors would only cover certain chapters from the textbook.

Although I know that time is one of the limiting factors in teaching the whole book, my question specifically relates to the courses in which the Professors begin teaching from some chapters in the middle or later chapters. Such as Chapter 6+ and skip the introductory parts or the final advanced parts.

Do Professors expect that students already know the information and so they skip through, and for more advanced topics, are these same topics covered in other courses or is it another reason? Also, would any Professors recommend that a student who might have the time, actually go through the whole book if they enjoy the course?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I'm not a professor (Senior at UMBC) but here's my take on this.

There usually too much in a textbook for an entire semester. And often times a lot of the jettisoned material is derivative, meaning if they teach you A, then they maybe expect you to understand B somewhat.

I have taken algebra based Physics 2 for biology majors. I noticed that professor was skipping around quite a bit, throwing out sections that would pertain to only future physics students. Same thing with chemistry. When I took general chemistry 2, there section within a chapter about organic chemistry. But our professor said that although it was important, he was not going to cover it because for that there's Organic chemistry 1 & 2. In organic chemistry, none of us really understood how an NMR spectrometer worked. That was for the physicists! We faked through the physics part of it, and for the most part we stuck to the basics.

So I don't think profs want to focus their attention on niche topics (which are important) but not of immediate importance. From personal experience I've noticed Chemistry & Physics and math professors don't skip all over the place, but biology teachers are very likely to do this.
 
  • #3


Hello,

I understand the importance of thorough and comprehensive studying, especially when it comes to textbooks. While professors may only cover certain chapters in class, it is important to remember that their focus is to provide a solid foundation in the subject matter and guide students towards the most important and relevant information.

In some cases, professors may skip over introductory or advanced chapters because they assume that students have already covered that material in previous courses or have the necessary background knowledge. However, this is not always the case and it is always beneficial for students to review those skipped chapters on their own time.

If a student is interested in a particular subject and has the time, I would definitely recommend going through the entire textbook. This will not only deepen their understanding of the subject, but also allow them to make connections between different concepts and see the bigger picture. It may also help in future courses where that knowledge is built upon.

In summary, while professors may not cover every chapter in the textbook, it is always beneficial for students to go through the entire book, especially if they have the time and interest. It will only enhance their understanding and knowledge in the subject.
 

1. What is the most effective way to study a full textbook?

The most effective way to study a full textbook recommended by professors is by utilizing active learning strategies. This includes actively taking notes, creating flashcards, summarizing key points, and practicing with quizzes or practice problems.

2. How much time should I dedicate to studying a full textbook?

Professors typically recommend dedicating at least 1-2 hours per day to studying a full textbook. This allows for consistent and thorough understanding of the material without feeling overwhelmed. However, the amount of time may vary depending on the difficulty of the material and personal learning style.

3. Is it necessary to read every page of a full textbook?

While it is important to have a general understanding of the material in a full textbook, it is not always necessary to read every single page. Professors recommend skimming through the textbook and focusing on key concepts, important examples, and practice problems. This can save time and help retain information better.

4. How often should I review material from a full textbook?

It is recommended to review material from a full textbook at least once a week. This allows for consistent reinforcement of the material and helps with long-term retention. Additionally, reviewing before exams or quizzes can also be beneficial.

5. Are there any additional resources recommended for full textbook study?

Professors suggest utilizing additional resources such as online lectures, study guides, and supplemental materials provided by the textbook publisher. It can also be helpful to form study groups with peers to discuss and review the material together.

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
974
Replies
7
Views
806
Replies
22
Views
818
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
25
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
706
Replies
21
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
858
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
4
Views
879
Back
Top