Teaching university for my master's

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for a master's program in physics that emphasizes teaching and pedagogy over research. The original poster expresses a desire for a learning environment similar to a private teaching college, where they can focus on mastering fundamental physics concepts before engaging in research activities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster seeks a master's program that prioritizes teaching and learning over research involvement, expressing a preference for institutions with strong pedagogical approaches.
  • Some participants suggest that funding through a TA-ship may not be feasible at institutions that focus on teaching, raising concerns about the financial implications of attending such programs.
  • One participant recommends exploring master's programs in Europe, noting that tuition fees may be lower and that research components might be limited to later years, but acknowledges variability in teaching quality.
  • There is a suggestion for the original poster to continue self-study and utilize online resources to supplement their learning in physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that finding a master's program with a strong emphasis on teaching may be challenging, particularly regarding funding options. However, there is no consensus on specific institutions or programs that meet the original poster's criteria.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the original poster's specific preferences for teaching-focused programs and the variability in teaching quality across institutions. The discussion does not resolve the question of suitable programs or the feasibility of funding through TA-ships.

mxbob468
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there was a post on www.reddit.com/r/science a couple of days ago that involved someone bitching about dealing with foreign grad students teaching all of their classes wherein someone commented something along the lines of "you should have gone to a private teaching college instead of a research university".

this got me thinking.

i graduated last year with a bs in math and 1 credit short of a double major in physics and i want to go on to a phd in physics but i want that same "private teaching college" experience in my coursework. i'd like to learn all the basic physics very well (read:e&m,cm,qm,thermal/stats) so i was wondering if there were any schools that would be like going to a teaching college for undergrad but for a master's? and would i have to pay for it or could i TA my way through? for example reed college is a reputed undergrad teaching college but has no master's in physics. schools abroad aren't out of the question either though i speak only english at a college level.

i guess basically this question boils down to does anyone know a school where the teachers are very good pedagogues and won't push me into a research group until maybe I've taken my quals or finished my courses? i know this pretty much antithetical to what graduate school is all about but short of this i have no idea how to accomplish what i want, that is learn the physics very well and only then go on to research.

in my wildest dreams i'd just do my bachelor's in physics over again at at such a teaching school but no one will let you do that (nevermind being able to afford it).

before someone lobs this at me pejoratively: yes i'd like a second chance at this whole physics thing.

fake edit: some people will say study it on your own and i am doing that. I'm reviewing freshman physics by doing all of the problems in resnick krane (second edition!) in preparation for the pgre and then have cm by morin, em by griffiths, qm by shankar, and thermal/stats by shroeder slated but i don't think it's good enough.

cross posted at r/physics
 
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The answer is "no". If you want a private teaching college experience where everyone is taught by professors, you are not going to get them to fund you through a TA-ship. Can you see the logical problem if the answer were "yes"?
 
i get your point. fine so id have to pay my way through but that part of the question was an afterthought anyway. the salient part was whether a such a teaching institution exists and barring that what should i do...
 
Try looking into a Masters degree in Europe. Fees are much cheaper. Pretty certain the research component is only in the second year. My guess is teaching will be hit and miss in most places. It all comes down to whether the school you're applying to have people who teach in a way that is suited to you. Anyway, why don't you try learning your material on your own and with the help of the internet?
 

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