How Do You Do Well in Physics?
Physics is a large, rich, and sophisticated subject — filled with aesthetics, subtleties, logic, contradictions, beauty, and endless details. Physics is a way of looking at the world — of asking questions and finding answers.
But there are many facets of physics which give people difficulties as they start this fascinating exploration of the world in which they live. For most people, doing well in physics will require a change in the way they view, and think of, the world. For some it is a minor change and for others it is a dramatic alteration.
Other Sites to Find Help Studying Physics
Some of these sites may be useful to you. But do not confuse an hour browsing the WEB for an hour of study.
- How To Study Physics – A reprint of a 1955 pamphlet on study habits. Some good general advice.
- How to Study Physics – A document for the Learning Skills Center at the University of Texas at Austin but now maintained at TAMU.
- Study Tips for Introductory Physics Students – Some nice advice from Dan Styer at Oberlin College.
Other Sites for general study skills advice
- Study Skills – Online
- Study Skills – from the Center on the Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT), University of Michigan
- Academic Skills Assessment Program – A site from the University of Chicago which has numerous on-line pamphlets devoted to academic skills and college life.
- Learning Skills Resources – Some very good info from York University.
- Guide for University Learning – A good array of topics and presentations maintained at the University of Guelph.
- Study Skills Self Information – A comprehensive site from Virgina Tech.
Disclaimer and Warning: Since you are visiting this site I assume that you are a student wanting to improve your effectiveness studying physics. That is good and I maintain this site for just that reason. But I will have to speak about things in general that should not be talked about in general. What that means is that you should not depend only (or primarily) on this page. You should talk to your instructor and check out the counseling and study skills resources available to you. The sites I use for references are good sites but may not be the best and the list is certainly not exhaustive. Please let me know if there is something I should know.
Juan R. Burciaga
Education Officer