Studying Advice on self studying material

AI Thread Summary
Self-studying subjects like math, physics, and programming can be challenging, especially when encountering gaps in foundational knowledge. A common issue is the tendency to rush through material, leading to confusion and a cycle of revisiting earlier chapters, which can hinder progress and cause frustration. To address this, it's recommended to focus on specific projects that provide clear goals. For instance, instead of aiming to master a broad topic like multivariable calculus, pursuing a concrete project—such as developing a program to enhance photos—can create a more structured learning path. This approach encourages learning relevant concepts in context, helping to maintain interest and coherence in the study process while gradually building expertise.
Yashbhatt
Messages
348
Reaction score
13
Hi. Looking for general advice on self studying math, physics, programming etc.

What happens often with me is either I go too fast and encounter for which my basics aren't clear enough and going back and forth between chapters/modules boggs me down. So, I erase my overall progress and just start with the basic chapters again but a lot of it starts to get repetitive and I lose interest. So, in a way I know the basics of many subjects but fail to gain expertise in any of them. Any advise on how to avoid the back and forth and learn in a coherent manner?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
One thought is to find a very specific project that you are determined to accomplish. Then study whatever is necessary to accomplish it. A project like "Write a computer program to enhance the photos of my grandparents" is less nebuluous than that an ambition like "Master multivariable calculus".
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes hutchphd and Yashbhatt

Thread 'My Grade 11 Math mark is eating me alive. What do I do?'

I'm going to make this one quick since I have little time. Background: Throughout my life I have always done good in Math. I almost always received 90%+, and received easily upwards of 95% when I took normal-level HS Math courses. When I took Grade 9 "De-Streamed" Math (All students must take "De-Streamed" in Canada), I initially had 98% until I got very sick and my mark had dropped to 95%. The Physics teachers and Math teachers talked about me as if I were some sort of genius. Then, an...
View full post »

Thread 'What are the best A-Level options for someone wanting to do Physics?'

Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
View full post »

Thread 'Hepth programs in Europe'

After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
View full post »

Similar threads

Studying What Are the Best Steps for Self-Teaching Theoretical Physics?
Replies
14
Views
3K
Is this a good self-study program?
Replies
16
Views
3K
Self Learning Math/Physics
2
Replies
71
Views
884
Studying When to check the solutions during self-study?
Replies
7
Views
3K
Studying How to self study Physics and Mathematics
Replies
10
Views
5K
Need to cut back on the time I spend self-studying each Intro Mechanics chapter
Replies
21
Views
2K
Studying Self-studying physics in preparation for learning astrophysics on my own
Replies
6
Views
3K
Other First post since 2009. I've learned a lot. Where to go from here?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Studying Critique My Self-Study Schedule (Signal Processing & RF Electronics)
Replies
8
Views
2K
How did you manage the self-study of physics and math?
Replies
9
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top