Why do so many professors just do proofs in class?

Click For Summary
Many students express frustration with professors focusing heavily on proofs during classes, particularly in physics courses where practical application is crucial. They argue that while understanding the theory is important, it often does not translate into the ability to solve problems on tests or in real-world scenarios. Some students feel that the emphasis on proofs detracts from learning how to apply concepts effectively, leading to confusion and poor performance on assessments. There is a call for a more balanced approach that integrates both theoretical understanding and practical problem-solving skills. Overall, the discussion highlights a disconnect between teaching methods and students' needs for practical application in their studies.
  • #31
hey, poops.

office hours are essential for doing homework problems. i camped out in my profs' offices for EM2 and the grad quantum sequence!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
We get a tutorial class one day a week for E&M and QM. Looks like it will be crucial.

Also, you're from Talk Bass, right?
 
  • #33
Poop-Loops said:
We get a tutorial class one day a week for E&M and QM. Looks like it will be crucial.

Also, you're from Talk Bass, right?

there is only one brad barker on the internet, right? ;)
 
  • #34
why do so many students just want problems worked in class? don't they know how to work problems on their own?
 
  • #35
mathwonk said:
why do so many students just want problems worked in class? don't they know how to work problems on their own?

I think you just answered your own question.

If so many of them want it, they must not know how to do it.
 
  • #36
indeed, so what is the appropriate response? give into their incapacity? or hold them to a higher standard, where they are expected to do some work on their own?

it is not at all clear that when faced with students who have no experience with doing their own work, that one should respond by babying them further.
 
  • #37
mathwonk said:
indeed, so what is the appropriate response? give into their incapacity? or hold them to a higher standard, where they are expected to do some work on their own?

it is not at all clear that when faced with students who have no experience with doing their own work, that one should respond by babying them further.

The correct way to administer your instruction is as you indicate: Hold them to a higher standard to do their own work. The trouble with that approach is that some teachers still must worry about keeping their jobs.
 
  • #38
symbolipoint said:
The correct way to administer your instruction is as you indicate: Hold them to a higher standard to do their own work. The trouble with that approach is that some teachers still must worry about keeping their jobs.

...or everyone just friggin' scours the internet for scans of the david griffiths EM solution manual...
 
  • #39
I forgot to check back to this thread but regarding the comments about my first post here, I think I was misunderstood. I meant that I think it is important to understand the proof, before plugging in the numbers into the equation. Simply understanding the proof and not using it would be kinda pointless! (In this context)
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
41
Views
6K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 87 ·
3
Replies
87
Views
15K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K