How important is interest in learning physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the importance of interest in learning physics, exploring how it affects understanding and engagement with the subject. Participants share their experiences and suggest ways to cultivate interest, while also addressing the challenges faced in academic settings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that finding interest in physics can facilitate understanding and make studying easier.
  • Others argue that interest alone is not sufficient; patience and hard work are also necessary for success in physics.
  • Suggestions for cultivating interest include connecting physics to personal interests, conducting home experiments, and participating in science fairs.
  • A participant expresses concern about the lack of interest in physics and suggests that it may be better to pursue a different field if one is not engaged.
  • Another participant questions the choice of studying physics if there is no interest, suggesting that it could lead to dissatisfaction in future careers.
  • Some participants share their experiences of studying physics, indicating a reliance on solving problems similar to those seen in lectures and a lack of deeper understanding.
  • There is mention of the structure of university courses, with some participants noting that most physics courses are taught by the physics department rather than engineering departments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the role of interest in learning physics, with no clear consensus on whether it is essential or how to effectively develop it. Some participants emphasize the need for interest, while others highlight the importance of hard work and practical engagement.

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate that their learning experiences are heavily focused on passing tests rather than fostering a deep understanding of physics concepts, which may affect their interest and engagement.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students in physics or engineering programs, educators seeking to engage students, and individuals considering their academic and career paths in STEM fields.

cs23
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If i find interest in it, would it make it easier to understand?

If so, what are some ways of forming interest?

I usually just study so as to pass a test.Which hasnt worked well for me. I just do enough to so that i can solve problems that will be similar to tests
 
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cs23 said:
If i find interest in it, would it make it easier to understand?

Certainly! Finding something interesting helps a lot! But it's not the only thing you need to pass tests. You'll also need patience and hard work. But if you're interested in something, then the hard work comes easy...

If so, what are some ways of forming interest?

I'm not sure. Are you taking physics in high school right now?? If so, then there are probably some ways to envoce interest in physics. You'll want to connect physics to your other interests somehow. For example: if you like programming, then you can make a program that simulates physical laws.
You can also try some experiments at home. Or you can try to "do projects" at home, maybe you'll get intrigued that way...
Or compete in a local science fair. Basically anything so that you'll get hands on experience with physics...

So, what's your story? In what grade are you, what kind of physics do you like? What are your interests at the moment? How do you see your future after high school??
 
If you're not interested in physics you're probably not going to learn very much. Sounds like you need to work in a different field.
 
micromass said:
Certainly! Finding something interesting helps a lot! But it's not the only thing you need to pass tests. You'll also need patience and hard work. But if you're interested in something, then the hard work comes easy...
I'm not sure. Are you taking physics in high school right now?? If so, then there are probably some ways to envoce interest in physics. You'll want to connect physics to your other interests somehow. For example: if you like programming, then you can make a program that simulates physical laws.
You can also try some experiments at home. Or you can try to "do projects" at home, maybe you'll get intrigued that way...
Or compete in a local science fair. Basically anything so that you'll get hands on experience with physics...

So, what's your story? In what grade are you, what kind of physics do you like? What are your interests at the moment? How do you see your future after high school??
I'm in university, I've been able to get to where i am today because of 'training'. I just make sure to do what the professors say so i can get good on tests. Usually the questions they assign and do in lecture are similar to their test problems,so people can pass. All i do is make sure i know how to solve those problems. But i can never solve those problems on my own, without looking at the solutions.

Also, i just read to know the formulas. Not much thinking involved. If i developed interest i feel i could improve understanding.

Could you tell me how you study. How you read the text to solving complicated problems. How you think through a problem?
 
If you're at a university, talk to people about physics, attend seminars, learn about research.

If none of this helps, get out of the field. You're training to do something for the rest of your life. If it doesn't interest you as a student, where you're free to let your mind pretty much wander and learn, then it is going to be a disaster when you're in a job where you also have to deal with the negative aspects of having a job.
 
Wait, you're at university studying physics? Why did you choose to do physics if you're not interested in it??

Seriously, if physics doesn't interest you at all, then choose another major! You will be glad you did...
 
cs23 said:
Usually the questions they assign and do in lecture are similar to their test problems,so people can pass. All i do is make sure i know how to solve those problems. But i can never solve those problems on my own, without looking at the solutions.

Also, i just read to know the formulas. Not much thinking involved.

If this is honestly how your physics classes are that's quite sad, since it seems you are not learning physics at all! In which case, I cannot really blame you for not being interested. Out of curiosity, which year of study are you in?
 
I in second year of engineering. Most of my courses have been taught by the physics department. Only a handful from my mechanical engineering department. Though in third year i believe more courses will be taught by my department
 

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