Schaum's Outline Study Guides: How Good Are They?

  • Thread starter end3r7
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In summary, the books in the Schaum series are good for doing well in exams and developing problem-solving skills, but they do not provide a deep understanding of the theoretical aspects. They are best used as a practical complement to a theoretical course or as a refresher for previously learned material. They focus on learning by doing and provide a systematic education in problem solving, making them a valuable resource for students.
  • #1
end3r7
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Generally how good are those books for a student to use as a study guide?
 
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  • #2
Very good.
 
  • #3
end3r7 said:
Generally how good are those books for a student to use as a study guide?

They are good for doing well in the exams, but not good enough if you want to get some deep understanding.
 
  • #4
I've got the Applied physics. It's an easy read, and a good review, but I wouldn't want it as a primary text.
 
  • #5
end3r7 said:
Generally how good are those books for a student to use as a study guide?

They are quite good "to get your hands dirty". I have almost the entire series of everything that has to do with physics, electronics, engineering and chemistry and they all work along the same principle: learning by doing. Theory is reduced to the bare minimum, just enough to make sense of the problem-solving algorithms that are presented, then a series of detailled worked-out problems ("case studies" if you like), and then a set of similar problems, but with only the final answer to check if you got it or not.

As said before, they don't give you deep insight in the theoretical aspect of the matter (and thus not a very deep understanding) - you better get that in parallel elsewhere. But they give you a very robust set of problem-solving skills in the matter. Don't think that these are "cheap tricks", no, you get a systematic education in problem solving which is really really useful.

The best use for the Schaum series is:
- as a practical complement to a theoretical course
- when you have learned some material long ago, remember that you understood it, but you've a bit lost your practical skills, to get you up and running again.
 

1. Are Schaum's Outline study guides effective for learning?

Yes, Schaum's Outline study guides are known for being effective study tools. They provide a comprehensive overview of the subject material and include practice problems and explanations, which can help students better understand and retain the information.

2. How do Schaum's Outline study guides compare to traditional textbooks?

Schaum's Outline study guides are often considered to be more concise and focused than traditional textbooks. They are designed to highlight key concepts and provide practice problems, making them a useful supplement to textbook readings.

3. Can Schaum's Outline study guides be used for any subject?

Schaum's Outline study guides cover a wide range of subjects, including math, science, business, and more. However, they may not have a study guide available for every subject or course, so it is important to check beforehand.

4. Are Schaum's Outline study guides suitable for all levels of education?

While Schaum's Outline study guides are primarily targeted towards college-level students, they can also be useful for high school students and even self-learners. They are designed to be easily understood and can be beneficial for anyone seeking a comprehensive study resource.

5. Can Schaum's Outline study guides be used as a substitute for attending class or studying from a textbook?

No, Schaum's Outline study guides should not be used as a substitute for attending class or reading from a textbook. They are meant to supplement these resources and provide additional practice and explanation. Attending class and reading from a textbook are still important for gaining a complete understanding of the subject material.

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