http://www.sgforums.com/forums/2297/topics/317357 en-US 60 <p class=""><strong><span style= "text-decoration: underline;">Breaking down Physics</span></strong></p> <p class="">The best way to solve a big problem is to divide it into smaller parts, then solve each part individually. Why is this the best way? Solving a small part involves lesser stress and mental power than a large part.</p> <p class="">The above principle can be used for many things. Physics is like the big problem described above. The best way to learn and understand it is to sub-divide into smaller parts.</p> <p class="">So how can we divide physics into smaller parts? In my opinion, there are five parts in physics.</p> <p class="">1) Newtonian Mechanics<br /> 2) Waves and Oscillations<br /> 3) Thermodynamics<br /> 4) Electromagnetism<br /> 5) Modern Physics</p> <p class="">The first step is to understand each and every single part. Once the first step is done, the second step is to learn to draw linkages between these parts to further improve our problem-solving capabilities.</p> <p class="">&nbsp;</p> <p class=""><strong><span style= "text-decoration: underline;">Question-based Approach to Scoring</span></strong></p> <p class="">The second part I’m going to share is the technique of using questions to improve understanding and scoring for exams. The main idea behind this is to read the notes once, then do a large number of questions with your notes/textbook in hand. In this technique, you are allowed to read and search your notes/textbook for the answers. However, you are required to do at least 6 complete test papers worth of questions (means just do a lot of questions).</p> <p class="">This method is what I will emphasize more than merely memorizing or/and reading and re-reading of the notes. Why do I say so?</p> <p class=""><span style="text-decoration: underline;">80% of your notes/textbooks are useless junks that are not tested in exams</span></p> <p class="">This is not to say that the 80% does not contribute to greater understanding and interest of the subject. What I meant is that the important portions of the notes (that will be tested) lies mainly in 20% of the notes/textbooks. By reading the notes/textbooks as you do questions, you will (i) be able to focus more on this important 20% that will most likely be tested, and (ii) do it in a shorter amount of time. This results in higher throughput; you learn more in a shorter period of time.</p> <p class="">&nbsp;</p> <p class=""><strong><span style= "text-decoration: underline;">Conclusion</span></strong></p> <p class="">The above two approaches can not only be used in physics, but in other subjects (and life situations) too. I wish you success in employing them effectively. Feel free to point out any errors or misunderstandings, or just ask for clarifications.</p> <p class="">Thanks.</p> Tue, 13 May 2008 01:39:52 +0800 www.sgforums.com:2297:317357:8082243 eagle http://www.sgforums.com/forums/2297/topics/317357