Studying Advice on self studying material

Click For Summary
Self-studying subjects like math, physics, and programming can be challenging, especially when encountering gaps in foundational knowledge. A common issue is the tendency to rush through material, leading to confusion and a cycle of revisiting earlier chapters, which can hinder progress and cause frustration. To address this, it's recommended to focus on specific projects that provide clear goals. For instance, instead of aiming to master a broad topic like multivariable calculus, pursuing a concrete project—such as developing a program to enhance photos—can create a more structured learning path. This approach encourages learning relevant concepts in context, helping to maintain interest and coherence in the study process while gradually building expertise.
Yashbhatt
Messages
348
Reaction score
13
Hi. Looking for general advice on self studying math, physics, programming etc.

What happens often with me is either I go too fast and encounter for which my basics aren't clear enough and going back and forth between chapters/modules boggs me down. So, I erase my overall progress and just start with the basic chapters again but a lot of it starts to get repetitive and I lose interest. So, in a way I know the basics of many subjects but fail to gain expertise in any of them. Any advise on how to avoid the back and forth and learn in a coherent manner?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
One thought is to find a very specific project that you are determined to accomplish. Then study whatever is necessary to accomplish it. A project like "Write a computer program to enhance the photos of my grandparents" is less nebuluous than that an ambition like "Master multivariable calculus".
 
  • Like
Likes hutchphd and Yashbhatt
This is my second year in college, and I changed my major to electrical engineering at the start of my second year. I'm taking Calc 1, and I know that I'm going to fail the course. I think there are several reasons for this. I hadn't touched math in an entire year (finished pre-calc 2 in HS), and I heard Calc 1 was the easiest math course, so I decided that taking the class without outside help (tutors or office hours) was enough. I tried really hard and spent hours learning, studying, and...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 71 ·
3
Replies
71
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
Replies
21
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K