Studying Physics

Common perceptions about Physics

I believe anyone with a science or engineering degree should be able to explain basics physics concepts (not necessary well),
and i am sure that all, if not most, teachers would be able to do a good job explaining physics to a class of 40.

However why are there still some of us who do not do well in physics during our study.
I am sure some of you have some point in your life asked yourself why the questions in the tests or exams are often so different
from those given during practices? I am also quite sure that some of you also felt the lack of motivation to even study the subject?
... this lead to often-heard comments like "I don't like physics" , "physics is not for me", "it is a boy's subject",
"well, i am not going to be an engineer...so physics is not helpful", "physics is boring" etc.

However there are also some students who breeze through physics. Wonder why? Read on.

Should one take Physics?

Physics is fasinating subject (at least to me : ) ), the knowledge itself does excites me but what is far more important is the
process of learning, understanding and solving a question by applying the concepts learnt. Physics or for any subject matter
teaches comprehension, applying what you learnt and learning how to solve problem in unfamiliar situations.

Most of us may not need the physics knowledge in the adult world, but the training that comes with it is certainly useful.
Personally i like physics better compared to chemistry or biology because there is no need to memorise in the case of physics.
If you memorise, it means you are not comprehending it correctly and its even harder to apply it.

If you deciding whether to take Physics, I would strongly encourage you to do so.

So how does one do well in Physics?

Well, to do well in physics, besides a good attitude (don't you need that for anything you do), i feel the following steps are necessary:

1) a systematic approach to understanding the concepts (how lesson is developed in class)
2) doing a set of necessary questions in class to test the concepts learnt. (the questions in the class worksheets should develop the
concepts in the right order and test common misconceptions)
3) sufficient individual attention given to each student due to the class size. (clarify doubts in class...there and then)
4) doing a set of questions after class that complement the class worksheet (questions should stretch the students further)
5) doing a challenging revision worksheet to learn how to apply the concepts in a new and unfamiliar situations.
6) doing a test
7) remediation if necessary.

To do well, proper note-taking and filing of worksheets, assignments and tests are some basic responsibilities of a student.
Besides the 7 steps and personal responsibility of a student, the personality of the teacher also plays an important role to learning.
A truly sincere teacher who works hard for his/her students will be appreciated and will in turn work harder.
A firm, clear and yet funny way of delivering the lessons will help to liven up the atmosphere and make it less painful to sit in class
hours after hours.

Since we know how to do it, why didn't we do well in Physics?

Through my brief teaching experience (7 years to date, not including the years of giving tuition during my undergraduate years),
i find it really difficult, almost impossible, to do all 7 steps with all the other demands in school.
And to make it effective for a class of 40 and ensure everyone does well is quite impossible.

Personally i feel that there wouldn't be any time left if any teacher that can do all the 7 steps listed above (i mean with true and sincere efforts).
The sad truth is that the demands on the teachers is ever increasing and it is now up to the teacher to prioritise.

The students are also busier nowadays with ccas, projects and other enrichment courses. However i supposed these trainings are good
and necessary for development of a child for tomorrow's workforce. Therefore it is even more important to maximise
the effectiveness of the waking hours of the child to do a structured set of questions instead of rote learning.

So why me?

1. Sufficient time


I have decided to take a break from teaching in school to spend some time on writing a physics book (i will stop at that for the time being)
and spend some consolidating all my teaching resources. Meanwhile I will giving some tuition classes for self-sustainment (for my dog, August & cat, Russell too).
This means that I will have the time to ensure that all students (i don't think i will have 3 classes of 40) that comes through me
will be given the best support throughout their time with me. Resource and time is my asset.

2. Understanding of the syllabus, testing and marking.


As mentioned, anyone with a proper degree is able to explain physics concepts to some extent.
The little advantage i have over them is the fact that i have explained the concepts countless times (and i am still improving every day)
and the (indepth) understanding of the syllabus, testing and marking.
I am one of the privilege few that attended the O level marking course in 2006, the last course was held 9 years back.

3. Structured approach

The 7 steps listed above is the ideal learning that should take place in school. However since it is the "ideal case",
my tuition serves to complement it as it is quite impossible to do all the 7 steps in the short duration during tuition.

For the better students, step (1) can be reinforced,followed by steps (5) and (6)
For the weaker students, steps (1),(2),(3) will help improve physics before going on to steps (5) & (6). More time needed!!
Step (7) is offered at no charge for those who are keen to learn. You as well as myself is responsible for your learning. Sounds strange but we will do it.

4. Sincere and Concern about the learning of physics

I cannot provide any elaboration here. Only time will tell. ( Refer to the list of awards below)

1. Most Outstanding Physics Teacher of the Year (2006) by institute of Physics Singapore
2. Most Caring Teaching Award (Bukit Panjang Government High School), 2006
3. Most Outstanding Contribution Award (Bukit Panjang Government High)

• 2002 (Individual award),
• 2002 (Team, nominee),
• 2005 (Team award)