Welcome to another day of Physics Tips Daily. Today's about reading your textbook.
Typical physics textbooks are over 1000 pages, very intimidating to read for most. To help you overcome this challenge, this week's topic is on how to read a physics textbook.
What are the characteristics of a physics textbook? How can you skim though it effectively? How can you read through the text effectively? How should you take notes?
A physics text may be a little different from other textbooks you have. First, it may be extra thick and heavy; don't let that intimidate you. Whatever course you're taking, you probably won't cover all sections of the textbook.
Next, you may notice a lot of confusing looking mathematics, Greek symbols, and other technical looking items. Again, don't let this intimidate you. All these things that look confusing at first, will be explained one at a time.
Most texts have sections of questions and problems at the end of each chapter. You wont' be assigned to do all of these. Your instructor will pick items from this large selection. To help in these questions and problems, many texts have some answers to these at the end of the book.
To help you skim through a physics text, you should pay special attention to certain key parts of the textbook. Certain important parts will often be placed in boxed or highlighted sections. The main ideas can be understood from these without having to read through the entire body of text.
Example questions or problems also offer a condensed opportunity for learning. Quickly reading through these can convey the most important ideas.
Most physics texts contain a large amount of diagrams, photographs, and illustrations. These aren't included just to look pretty. Each visual aid is there to help you understand some concepts. Read the accompanying captions to help understand these key points.
At the end of each chapter these is usually some type of summary or condensed wrap up of the chapter. All the key points are briefly represented here. Although this doesn't convey all the information in the chapter, it's a good summation.
You might read a novel at a steady continuous pace, from the first page until the very end. This won't be an effective strategy for reading a physics text. You may first wish to skim through a chapter as described previously. Next you might want to focus on certain areas that seem unclear.
Often, special time and attention need to be spent on the math problems. Thus, you might have to read and reread each line of an example problem from the chapter. You might even want to simultaneously do some of the example problem by hand with pencil and paper.
Certain parts of a physics chapter may be included for completeness. Certain applications of concepts, derivations or formulas, or optional sections may not be critical for your particular class or instructor. You must decide whether these ideas need to be skimmed, or studied carefully.
Taking notes from the textbook reading can be very useful and important. Be sure to take note of difficult or confusing parts as you are reading prior to your lecture. These are areas you should pay extra attention to. Maybe you'll need to ask a question of your instructor.
You should also take notes of what makes sense to you. Graphic organizers of what you understand well can help firmly plant that knowledge in your brain. Even though this isn't a formal assignment by the instructor, this type of proactive studying can really enhance your learning.
That should do it for today! Let's master physics the EASY way! "See" you tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Seize the Day!
Wayne Huang, PhD
http://www.RapidLearningCenter.com
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