Solving as many problems as possible is the best way to ensure success in physics courses, because this is the only way to gain a firm understanding of the material. Yet one of the hardest skills to master in Physics is the ability to solve problems. It is not a simple feat to learn to select the most important elements from a physical problem and then write them down in mathematical terms.
The path to success is not in memorizing equations, but in learning how to solve problems from a few fundamental principles. However, the insights into Nature so obtained are well worth the effort. In order to develop this ability, an ongoing cycle of learning and practicing with new concepts is used.
There are a number of avenues open to the student looking for help. The main ones are summarized below.
Tutorials
In most courses the class is divided into weekly or fortnightly tutorial groups for discussion of assigned problems or for practicing new problems under the supervision of an instructor. This is perhaps the most important opportunity for transferring physical insight and problem-solving skills from instructor to student. For maximum benefit, it is crucial that students attempt all assigned problems before tutorials.
Computer programs
In some courses, particularly in PHYS1000, there are self-help programs available on the Web. There are also programs for scientific word processing (W.P.) and data manipulation (Derive, Maple) and plotting (Sigma-Plot) for help in writing up labs and projects available on the Otonabee College Local Area Network (LAN).
Academic Skills Centre
Trained personnel are available to help with necessary math and writing skills. See them for an appointment. They are likely to be of limited help with the physics concepts.
Other students
Other Physics students in your class or in higher years are an important resource. However, in fairness to both them and you it is essential that you make an honest try at solving your own problems before looking for help. Even when you find you must seek help, ask only for hints, not full solutions. Part of the process of learning to solve problems is finding your own way through the maze of possible options often enough that you develop a "sixth sense" for the correct route. Under no conditions must you copy someone else's solutions directly. The penalties will be quite severe!
Your instructor or another Physics faculty member
The time will come when you have made a reasonable attempt to solve your difficulties by yourself without success. Your instructors will then be happy to help guide you on your way. Expect to receive some indication of how to proceed, not a complete solution!
Tests and exams
To do well on tests and the final exam you must have done most of your problem assignments by yourself, attended tutorials and checked the posted solutions to correct your mistakes. As well, you should have spent every "free" hour of the time you allot each week for physics doing extra problems from your text. If so, then you are in good shape when the time for a test or final exam arrives. The best way to study for a test/exam is as follows:
- Work again through all relevant assignments, preferably with your books closed. The instructor will have been giving problems which illustrate the most important concepts in the course, so these are the areas most likely to appear on the exam.
- If you still have time, do extra problems from your text. When writing an exam, begin by reading it all through carefully, noting how many questions are required and any marking scheme. Start by doing the questions you think you can do most easily. If you get absolutely stuck, go to a new question and come back later as time permits. Remember that the majority of the marks are given for showing you understand how to do the problem, not for a correct, final answer. Therefore it may often be to your advantage to leave a solution in algebraic form, and only work through to a numerical answer if you have time at the end of the exam. Finally, even if you don't know how to proceed in a problem, write down as much as you think might be relevant. You cannot be given marks for blank pages.