IneedA said:
Basically like, if it was your job to make a C student get an A in calculus-based physics. What would you tell them to do if you wanted to guarantee they would get an A?
IneedA said:
. Well, I live next to ucla, usc, and caltech. These schools don't like B’s. The pressure is intense. I get stressed when I see a 90% as opposed to 100%.
I got a B on a midterm. I was stressed seeing my grade at 91% the rest of the semester.
Physics is not until fall so i have time to learn. I have calculus 1 in summer.
I know physics will be my most difficult course. Some people at my college are just going to take physics with easier professors at another college. I am not about it. I want to take physics as it was intended. I just need to know exactly what steps I should to give me the best chance for an A.
You've gotten some good advice. I'll highlight what I think is important, and also throw in my two cents.
* There is no one prescription that works for everyone. You need to find out what works for you.
* Your goal should not be to earn an A. Your goal should be to learn the material. But note: There is no guarantee of an A, even if you learn the material (more on that below).
* Some degree of memorization is essential; e.g., basic definitions and formulas (including the circumstances under which they apply). N.B.: Memorization is necessary, but not sufficient.
* You need to understand the abstract concepts for sure; and, you also need to understand the methodology for solving problems (as emphasized in previous posts). But (as also emphasized in previous posts), don't just mechanically turn the crank or punch the keys: you need to develop insight and intuition.
* Learning is typically iterative, not a steady progression. Doing many problems is helpful, but don't do so blindly. A previous poster used a reference to figure skating. I responded to that, and I'll add to it. In figure skating (as in other sports), there is the concept of "deliberate practice". If you practice the same move over and over
incorrectly, you will never make progress, no matter how hard you work: all you will do is imprint your muscle memory with how do the move incorrectly. You need constructive feedback from a coach who will tell you what you are doing wrong and how to correct it; this may entail remedial drills.
Similarly, seek help early, if you find that lectures, main textbooks, and supplementary textbooks are not sufficient. Don't turn to AI [review this concurrent thread, if you already haven't:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/the-use-of-ai-in-self-learning.1085339/]. If your professors, or graduate teaching assistants, have office hours, go to them. If not, ask your professors or academic advisor whether tutors are available (in particular, are there volunteers who don't charge).
* As I mentioned above, there is no guarantee of an A, even if you learn the material reasonably well. A lot will depend on what the grade is based: homework, quizzes, midterm, final? The worst case scenario is that in which your grade is based entirely or predominantly on just one final. Tests are constrained by time, and you need to practice under time constraints. Tests can be nerve wracking, and you need to be psychologically prepared to deal with that. There are also basic physiological issues you need to plan for: such as getting enough sleep and not pulling an all-nighter; timing and planning your meals so you don't go hungry during an exam and so you don't need to go to the bathroom during an exam; getting your flu shot in time to reduce your chances of getting sick during finals at the end of the first semester ....
