- #1
The Learner
- 5
- 2
Hi everyone,
I'm pretty new to the PF and have rarely posted on forums but looking through the threads, I see that you guys give some great advice so I'd love to hear some responses.
My current situation: I've just started my third year and am majoring in physics. I intend to get an M.S. in physics and be something like a H.S. teacher and eventually hope to improve the education system here and abroad.
The problem: I think what it comes down to is the math. I've taken Calc II & III, I've taken Physics I - IV, Linear Algebra, Diff Eq, and Math Methods in the Physical Sciences but I can't say I've retained much knowledge of the techniques. Familiarity perhaps, but not mastery. (I recognize there's a difference between mathematics and the cookie cutter techniques but I feel like mastery of those techniques/confidence with them is needed to teach)
Not to be too desperate but I think what I'm looking for is reassurance that I'm not alone...is it normal that I don't remember everything I've 'learned'? Is it normal to have to keep returning back to my notes, and basically relearning things after a semester or two, does it just take time?... I'll admit, I haven't done too much repetition and practicing, so that might be the giant problem.
The main thing I'm looking for is what are learning techniques that you guys (you know, you all being the best of the best :) ) find effective? There's a difference b/w learning and memorizing, but I find it hard to say I've actually learned something when I can't remember it. And to what extent people generally remember material with these techniques.
I'm not sure if it's my methods that need work, if I just need to slow down and solidify my math foundations, or if there's something off with my ideals (i.e. a great physics teacher doesn't need to be a master of integrating functions even though that'd be so cool haha). Really, any insights offered are super appreciated. My apologies also for the long post!
I'm pretty new to the PF and have rarely posted on forums but looking through the threads, I see that you guys give some great advice so I'd love to hear some responses.
My current situation: I've just started my third year and am majoring in physics. I intend to get an M.S. in physics and be something like a H.S. teacher and eventually hope to improve the education system here and abroad.
The problem: I think what it comes down to is the math. I've taken Calc II & III, I've taken Physics I - IV, Linear Algebra, Diff Eq, and Math Methods in the Physical Sciences but I can't say I've retained much knowledge of the techniques. Familiarity perhaps, but not mastery. (I recognize there's a difference between mathematics and the cookie cutter techniques but I feel like mastery of those techniques/confidence with them is needed to teach)
Not to be too desperate but I think what I'm looking for is reassurance that I'm not alone...is it normal that I don't remember everything I've 'learned'? Is it normal to have to keep returning back to my notes, and basically relearning things after a semester or two, does it just take time?... I'll admit, I haven't done too much repetition and practicing, so that might be the giant problem.
The main thing I'm looking for is what are learning techniques that you guys (you know, you all being the best of the best :) ) find effective? There's a difference b/w learning and memorizing, but I find it hard to say I've actually learned something when I can't remember it. And to what extent people generally remember material with these techniques.
I'm not sure if it's my methods that need work, if I just need to slow down and solidify my math foundations, or if there's something off with my ideals (i.e. a great physics teacher doesn't need to be a master of integrating functions even though that'd be so cool haha). Really, any insights offered are super appreciated. My apologies also for the long post!