| 1. Math is at the heart of physics. So
the better your math, the better you'll do in physics. A good working
knowledge of algebra, trigonometry and calculus is needed for Physics.
2. Get a good overview of your physics textbook
before tackling it in depth.
3. Read your assigned chapter BEFORE
attending class and again after. You will get the most out of class if you
read the material ahead of time. Notice that each chapter in your physics
text has new vocabulary, terms, definitions, concepts, major ideas and many
mathematical equations and practice exercises to be worked out.
4. Make problem-solving part of each study
session. The more you work out problems and test yourself, the better your
physics will get. Devote your time to learning how to do each problem rather
than in obtaining the numerical answer given in the solutions' manual. Even
if you do not have homework problems to do, try working out at least five
new problems every time you study.
5. When working out a physics problem,
determine what principal it is illustrating or what kind of problem it is.
For example, is it a momentum problem or a force problem? This will help you
to set up the problem.
6. When working out a problem, try to
visualize what it is asking you to do. Draw it out and/or set up a chart,
then identify the variables and set up the equation. Remember setting up the
problem is the most important thing you can do. Next, solve your equation
for the unknown, and substitute your numbers into the problem, to see if it
checks out.
7. The true test for determining if you
know your material is to do a problem you have never done or seen before. So
when preparing for a physics exam, look for new problems. With each problem,
ask yourself what kind of problem is this, and how are you going to do it?
Then, do lots and lots of problems.
8. Use more than one physics
textbook when
studying. Employ these other texts as reference books for reviewing or
illustrating difficult concepts and for obtaining practice problems to test
yourself on.
9. Take notes while you are reading and
organize yourself well. Write down all new vocabulary, terms, definitions,
concepts, equations, major ideas, problems types, and the do's and don'ts
for avoiding mistakes.
10. Know your physics'
terminology.
Practice using the words of physics again and again, so they will start
meaning something to you.
11. Use small review cards for learning
terminology and for testing yourself on concepts. Put a difficult term or
concept on one side and the meaning on the other. Carry these cards wherever
you go and review them at odd moments - you won't even feel like you're
studying.
12. To make physics more fun, keep
relating it to your everyday life. Look for situations or occurrences that
illustrate what you are learning. For example, what causes hairs to repel
one another on a dry winter day? How does your engine use gasoline to
produce motion? What causes the heat on a drill bit after drilling a hole in
metal?
13. The physics lab is wonderful for
setting up experiments to illustrate and practice what you are learning. Use
it often, but why not make the whole world your lab? Set up your own
experiments at home, at work, in your backyard, or in your workshop.
14. Form a physics study group to talk
aloud and test yourself on your new learned knowledge. Explaining physics to
others is an excellent way to reinforce new concepts. Study groups also help
students to do better by increasing their motivation and confidence. If
group is out of the question for you, try explaining new ideas to a family
member, a friend or even your dog!
15. Research has shown that we remember
90% of what we say and do. So practice, practice, practice (do, do, do)
physics and explain it to others (say, say, say).
16. Physics takes a lot of time and
effort, so don't take it with a heavy course or work load or lots of family
responsibilities. Give yourself time to really learn it and enjoy it. In
addition to the hours you spend in lecture and lab, plan to spend at least
10 hours per week on homework problems and at least one hour for writing up
your laboratory report.
17. Physics is cumulative; one topic
builds on another - so don't fall behind. Attend every class if you can.
Keep up with the material. If you need help, get it immediately. You can get
assistance from your instructor, the Math Learning Center, physics lab
aides, your classmates, family or friends, other physics texts, the college
outline series (ex. Schaum) or the library reserve shelf (problem solutions,
study guide).
18. Review immediately after class and
again eight hours later. Most of the information we learn is lost within the
first 20 to 60 minutes after learning. So be sure to review as soon as you
can.
19. Begin studying for exams well in
advance and avoid cramming. Throughout the semester, as you learn each new
concept test yourself on it. The best students are testing themselves
continuously throughout the learning process. In addition, make up your own
difficult practice tests and practice working out all types of problems.
For more details, read
Conquering Math Anxiety A Self-Help Workbook
by Cynthia Arem Ph.D.
Brooks Cole Publishing Company, Pacific, California
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