THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN PHYSICS

1.    Studying starts before class

Take 15 minutes each day to review the lesson. This will give you a first view of the concepts to be presented in the class that day.

2.    Studying continues in class; effectively use class time

Learning is not a spectator sport. Every moment you’re in class your mind should be actively engaged in the lesson, discussions, and demonstrations. If your mind is not tired when you leave class (from actively thinking), then you haven’t put everything into class that you should. By fully concentrating on class activities you will increase your understanding and decrease your study time! Merely using class time to blindly take notes on everything that is said is not learning. Think through the concepts that are being presented in class while they are being presented. The notes you take should be key terms and definitions, formulas, summaries of concepts (in your own words), and notes on demonstrations.

3.    Studying continues outside of class

Spend time each day after class reviewing the concepts presented during that day, and also throughout the chapter. Physics is not a series of disjointed lessons. Each lesson and textbook chapter builds on concepts presented in previous lessons and chapters. It is a way of thinking and of understanding the world around you. Physics is not a memorization course. It’s a course of critical thinking, learning, and understanding. As a result, learning physics will change your outlook and understanding of the world around you. Physics is the most applied science you will ever take! You must be able to apply concepts to real world applications. Take time each day to analyze life’s events in the language of mathematics and physics. Spend quality time on the problems assigned. Every problem in physics is different (it’s not like math). It is important to relate the concepts you learn and apply them to find practical solutions to problems.

4.    Teach others what you learn

Physics is effectively learned by teaching; teach your parents, friends, and siblings (usually you will end up annoying them… but do it anyway) by constantly explaining how everything around you works. Go home each day and explain the physics you have learned to someone else. By explaining it, you will be thinking through the concepts and logically formulating explanations… you will be learning! When studying for a test, study with friends. Ask each other questions, have your partner explain concepts.

5.    Ask questions

Ask questions during class.  Learning is your responsibility but I am there as a guide to help you learn. I am at school very early in the morning and can stay after school to help.  If you need extra help outside of class, ASK BERNIE; he is there to help you! If you need a review session for a test, ASK.  Whatever I can do to help you learn, JUST ASK!

6.    Learn to take good notes

1. Write down daily objectives, they will help you focus on what you need to know from the day’s lessons.
2. Copy the chapter overview from the website. Review the notes prior to coming to class and bring them to class with you. Check to make sure you understand each topic prior to moving on.
3. You have only one chance to see and hear the original lesson. Come to class prepared to make the most of your opportunities!
4. Don’t try to copy down everything that is written on the board or said in class.  Summarize both written and spoken notes in your own words.
5. If the teacher repeats the information it is usually important— note that.
6. Make notes on demonstrations done in class and how they illustrate concepts.
7. Go back over your notes as soon as possible after class to review and fill in any gaps you were unable to write down during the lesson.  Come prepared to ask questions about things you missed the next class day.

7.   Homework/Problem Sets

1. Homework is not assigned to keep you busy, it is assigned to help you learn and to reinforce concepts that were covered in class.  Treat homework as a learning experience, not a chore.  Each problem is a puzzle that you must unravel and figure out.
2. Do all problems that are assigned.  Your primary purpose in this class is to learn.
3. When you are working homework problems, list out given information and then identify relationships/formulas that may be useful in solving the problem.  Always write information down and attempt to solve the problem in writing. Saying that “I looked at the problem and didn’t know where to start” is not really having tried the problem. Draw a picture of the problem; call a friend and discuss it. You will be surprised how many problems you can solve that you didn’t think you could solve when you started.

8.   Test Taking Strategies

1. Again, spend time reviewing every day.
2. Create an outline of your notes based on the topics that were covered in class.  Re-write important concepts and ideas from your notes. Just the act of re-writing can help you learn.
3. Review and study with friends. Question each other.
4. On the test day—enter the room and be seated quickly, get your materials out (pen, pencil, calculator), relax, answer every question on the test (you can earn partial credit), work quickly–physics tests are usually long. Always double-check your answers when you finish the test.