Become a Physics/Math Expert: Tips for Exam Prepping

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around strategies for preparing for physics and math exams, exploring various approaches to deepen understanding and improve performance. Participants share personal experiences and suggest methods for effective study and comprehension in these subjects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that deeply understanding basic principles is crucial for success in physics and math exams.
  • One contributor emphasizes the importance of challenging both the principles and oneself during study.
  • Another participant notes that many students may perform well on tests without truly grasping fundamental concepts, such as Newton's Laws of Motion.
  • It is proposed that students should focus solely on applying physics principles rather than relying on common sense when solving problems.
  • Several participants advocate for a genuine interest in the subjects and the role of imagination alongside intelligence in learning.
  • One suggestion includes seeking out additional resources beyond textbooks and engaging in teaching others as a method to reinforce one's own understanding.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of deep understanding and engagement with the material, but there are varying opinions on specific strategies and the role of common sense in problem-solving. No consensus is reached on a singular effective method for exam preparation.

Contextual Notes

Some contributions highlight the limitations of relying solely on traditional study methods, suggesting that deeper engagement and exploration of the subject matter may be necessary for outstanding performance.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for physics and math exams, educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods, and individuals interested in improving their understanding of these subjects.

Alem2000
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It is obvious that on this forum there are a lot of very knowledgeable people. So I want to ask the big question...how do you do physics and math. I know it sounds like a dumb question but I do good in my physics and math class quzies but how come on the exams(i don't do bad) but its not outstanding. I just want to know how to prep for a math/ physics exam...if there really is a successful way to do so I am all ears.
 
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I don't know if there is any particular secret but the advice I would give that has worked for me is to understand basic principles deeply!

That means constantly querying, testing, imagining and discovering.

And challenging - both the principle and yourself!
 
Read around the subject continually, visit websites like this one, and when you study a topic you must do as Tide says above - really deeply try to understand the underlying principles. I reckon that about 80% of the 17 years old I teach still don't really 'get' Newton's Laws of Motion - even though they do well in tests!

Also, learn to throw 'common sense' out of the window when tackling a question and just apply PHYSICS principles and laws only. If you have to rely on 'common sense' to work out an answer, you probably haven't learned the Physics!

When revising for a test, write out key principles and do as many questions on the subject that you can find - use revision guides and books to help you.

Good luck!
 
You need a genuine interest. And imagination is just as important as intelligence.
 
Alem2000 said:
It is obvious that on this forum there are a lot of very knowledgeable people. So I want to ask the big question...how do you do physics and math. I know it sounds like a dumb question but I do good in my physics and math class quzies but how come on the exams(i don't do bad) but its not outstanding. I just want to know how to prep for a math/ physics exam...if there really is a successful way to do so I am all ears.
Sounds like you're doing what is required. Try going out of your way, go above and beyond the call of duty. Let it be an all embracing passion. Don't simply read your text, work the problems in the text and take quizzes and tests. Go out and find other textbooks. Dig into it. Come here and try to explain what you've learned to someone who is seeking help. You'd be surprised by how much you an learn when you prepare yourself to explain something to someone else. You don't actually have to do this per se but always ask yourself "Could I explain this to someone else."

Pete
 

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