Overcoming Discouragement in Physics: Advice Needed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the challenges of overcoming discouragement in a physics degree program, particularly in the context of classroom dynamics and peer interactions. Participants share personal experiences and seek advice on managing feelings of inadequacy and shyness while engaging in academic settings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses feelings of discouragement due to condescending behavior from classmates, despite being an excellent student with a strong academic record.
  • Another participant suggests that ignoring negative classmates and focusing on exams might be a more beneficial approach.
  • A different viewpoint proposes that the participant should address the issue with the professor, as incorrect answers from peers should be corrected in class.
  • Some participants advise against speaking to the professor to avoid escalating the situation, suggesting instead to seek personal strategies for coping.
  • One participant shares a positive outcome, stating they achieved the best results in their class, implying that perseverance can lead to success despite initial challenges.
  • There is a suggestion that if the participant were to approach the professor, they should focus on their own performance rather than the behavior of classmates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on how to handle the situation, with no clear consensus on the best approach. Some advocate for direct communication with the professor, while others recommend avoiding confrontation and focusing on personal academic success.

Contextual Notes

Participants' suggestions vary widely, reflecting different comfort levels with confrontation and personal coping strategies. The discussion highlights the subjective nature of classroom experiences and the impact of peer interactions on self-esteem.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in academic programs facing peer-related challenges, individuals seeking advice on managing shyness in classroom settings, and those interested in strategies for overcoming discouragement in competitive environments.

paalfis
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This probably sounds a bit silly for some people, but the truth is that it is affecting me. The situation is this:
I am in what it the equivalent to a major physics degree program in my country ( I am also majoring in computational sciences). Lately, mostly because I found profoundly interesting what I am studying, have encourage my self to participate more in class, which has been difficult, because of being very, very shy.
Anyway, besides of being an excellent student (and by excellent I mean, excellent), some classmates of mine constantly laugh at my questions, or answer them their self (talking over the professor) in a condescending tone (wrongly, of course), like if they pity me for being so stupid. I know that my questions are not silly at all, but I do not have a strong personality to defend my point. Then, in order to show that I am not stupid, every time the professor asks something during his lecture, I answer rapidly and make silly mistakes, sinking even deeper.
I know that I am not stupid, and I show results (perfect average, 5 or 6 kind of good research projects going on) and also I am practically in love with physic. But this thing has been going on for a while and is now impacting me and my academic results in a bad way.
Do you have any suggestion of what I can do? Or a way to convince my self to ignore this?
Thanks!
 
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paalfis said:
This probably sounds a bit silly for some people, but the truth is that it is affecting me. The situation is this:
I am in what it the equivalent to a major physics degree program in my country ( I am also majoring in computational sciences). Lately, mostly because I found profoundly interesting what I am studying, have encourage my self to participate more in class, which has been difficult, because of being very, very shy.
Anyway, besides of being an excellent student (and by excellent I mean, excellent), some classmates of mine constantly laugh at my questions, or answer them their self (talking over the professor) in a condescending tone (wrongly, of course), like if they pity me for being so stupid. I know that my questions are not silly at all, but I do not have a strong personality to defend my point. Then, in order to show that I am not stupid, every time the professor asks something during his lecture, I answer rapidly and make silly mistakes, sinking even deeper.
I know that I am not stupid, and I show results (perfect average, 5 or 6 kind of good research projects going on) and also I am practically in love with physic. But this thing has been going on for a while and is now impacting me and my academic results in a bad way.
Do you have any suggestion of what I can do? Or a way to convince my self to ignore this?
Thanks!

If you know you're smart, that's all that matters. The loudmouths will soon be forgotten. Just hang in there.
 
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I think you should stop answering questions the professor ask. As you said, that is not giving you any benefit. Instead, focus on doing best on exams\tests and show them you are smart.
 
If other students are answering your questions wrongly, then you need to talk to the teacher about that. He/she should be running the class better than that- at the very least pointing out that the students answer are wrong.
 
... Hallsoflvy, I won't talk to the peofesor, I don't want to create a bigger problem.. That is why I was asking for a personal advice to change my reaction to this issue.
 
Ignore them, stop asking questions in the class etc. Ask after class, maybe during office hours.
 
My academic year is over, and I got the best results of my class, my classmates where all surprised, I suppose that those loudmouths are feeling pretty stupid for their behaviour towards me during this year. After all, I can say that I really enjoy this semester after all, thank you very much for your advices guys :)
 
Last edited:
paalfis said:
... Hallsoflvy, I won't talk to the peofesor, I don't want to create a bigger problem.. That is why I was asking for a personal advice to change my reaction to this issue.
I'm not sure what you mean by 'bigger problem', unless you mean trouble for/from the other students. If a student is struggling in class, they should be able to approach the prof about it.

If you were to approach the prof, I suggest leaving all your troubles about other students out of it. Simply ask him/her how he thinks you are doing, and if your questions and answers are insightful.
 

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