Study Tips for Physics Tests: Overcome Low Scores & Improve Grades

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on effective study strategies for improving physics test scores, particularly for students struggling with concepts like charge, electric fields, and inductance. The participant has attempted various methods, including tutoring, self-study, and following a peer's study plan, but has not seen improvement in grades, which are heavily weighted on tests. Key strategies suggested include writing down all given information from problems, utilizing cheat sheets effectively, and calming exam anxiety to enhance performance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts such as charge and electric fields.
  • Familiarity with test-taking strategies and anxiety management techniques.
  • Ability to create and utilize study aids like cheat sheets and flashcards.
  • Experience with problem-solving in physics, particularly in applying formulas to real-world scenarios.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective note-taking techniques for physics, such as Cornell notes or mind mapping.
  • Learn about anxiety reduction techniques specifically for test situations, such as mindfulness or breathing exercises.
  • Explore resources on creating effective study guides and cheat sheets for physics exams.
  • Investigate online platforms or forums for additional practice problems and solutions in physics.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students enrolled in physics courses, particularly those facing challenges with test-taking, as well as educators looking for strategies to support students with learning difficulties.

blackbyron
Messages
47
Reaction score
0
Hello, I'm now enrolled in a class that talks about charge, electric field, magnetic field, and inductance. I really need help on how to study smart for physics test. I've been studying physics for 2 weeks until the test. Every time I took it, I still get the low scores on the test. The teacher give me a problem that'll make me confused and tricked me on the test. I need the ways to overcome this.

I have an expressive language and receptive language disorder, and maybe that affects my learning because of language barrier.

Here's are the study ways I have tried so far.
I had tutoring, but not much help on the test.
I did my best to try and understand all the concepts by going all over the notes and go on internet to research on specific topics that I don't understand.
I tried to do hard practice problems and make sure I understand it.
I made sure that I don't study the wrong material.
I tried to follow somebody's study plan who got better grades than.

None of them have helped me to improve my grade. I'm expecting an B or A. I get D's, C's.

Anyhelp will be appreciated it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
are your grades based on exams or course work so to speak. Some people just freak at exams and then its more about learning how to calm yourself.

If its the other do you feel like you understand things after revising or taking notes, i found that i would put key equations or basic notes i needed to remember i put on post its and note cards all over my walls
 
tashalustig said:
are your grades based on exams or course work so to speak. Some people just freak at exams and then its more about learning how to calm yourself.

If its the other do you feel like you understand things after revising or taking notes, i found that i would put key equations or basic notes i needed to remember i put on post its and note cards all over my walls

My grades are based on labs, homework, and tests.

Homework I understand it, labs = okay, test --> not really
HW 25%
labs 15%
tests 60%
I feel like I understand most of of things. My teacher allows me to have 2 page of cheat notes on the test. I put down all formulas, all basic concepts, and some practice problems. Still, I don't understand why I'm not getting the grade I deserve. Making mistakes that I don't know on the test puts me off. I need a way to overcome this.
 
What helped me was to write ALL givens in the problem. When they gave me the charge on the capacitor, I would circle it, then continue reading the problem. After I finished reading the problem, I would write down everything I circled and tried to see what the problem wanted me to, after I see what the problem wanted me to do, I'd write down the equation that would fit.

If you write down all the givens from the problems on the test,along with the relevant equations, then it'll be hard to be tricked!

Good luck.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
1K
  • · Replies 102 ·
4
Replies
102
Views
7K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
5K