The discussion revolves around strategies for improving physics skills, with participants sharing various methods, experiences, and opinions on effective learning techniques. The scope includes personal experiences, educational practices, and suggestions for study approaches, primarily at the introductory college level.
Participants express a range of views on effective methods for improving physics skills, with no consensus on a single best approach. Some agree on the importance of mathematics, while others emphasize different learning strategies. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective techniques.
Participants reference varying educational backgrounds and experiences, which may influence their perspectives on the adequacy of current physics curricula and the role of mathematics in learning physics. There are also differing opinions on the value of problem-solving versus conceptual understanding.
This discussion may be of interest to students at various levels of physics education, educators seeking insights into teaching methods, and anyone looking to enhance their understanding of physics through diverse strategies.
There is no one effective method - everyone uses a mixture of techniques that seem to work for them. You want to add "talking to others" to your list of methods though.I really can't find an effective way to improve at physics
alan2 said:I don't know where you are, but in the US physics students don't earn enough math as undergrads.
alan2 said:Because I taught calculus and physics for years. When I was a student in physics we had to take calc, linear algebra, ode's, pde's, complex variables, vector analysis, and Fourier series and boundary value problems. Now many programs only require through linear algebra and ode's for a physics degree. I'm sure some require more but, in general, much of the math is now learned in the physics classes. Trying to learn, for example, pde's while sitting in an E&M or QM class is not terribly efficient. I noticed, in general, that those with more math tend to do better in their physics classes. Even those who had already completed a couple terms of calculus before taking their first physics class did better than those taking it concurrently.
meteor685 said:I really can't find an effective way to improve at physics
alan2 said:Because I taught calculus and physics for years. When I was a student in physics we had to take calc, linear algebra, ode's, pde's, complex variables, vector analysis, and Fourier series and boundary value problems. Now many programs only require through linear algebra and ode's for a physics degree. I'm sure some require more but, in general, much of the math is now learned in the physics classes. Trying to learn, for example, pde's while sitting in an E&M or QM class is not terribly efficient. I noticed, in general, that those with more math tend to do better in their physics classes. Even those who had already completed a couple terms of calculus before taking their first physics class did better than those taking it concurrently.
KiwiKid said:Do you know if what you experienced applies to many universities in the USA, or do you think your university (presuming you've taught at only one) is an anomaly?
jtbell said:Which level of physics are you currently studying? High school, introductory college/university? Higher level?[/QUOTE
Introductory college/univesrity, not taking any classes rite now though.