Posts Tagged ‘ system ’

Different subjects, different skills – how to study Math, Physics and Chemistry

Thursday, February 11th, 2010 by admin

Mathematics

Mathematics is the study of quantity, structure, space, and change. It is a tool we use to solve real-life problems. So, proficiency in mathematics is measured by our ability to use it to solve difficult problems.

Students who are weak in mathematics, typically, study without writing and practicing with pen and paper. They may be spending a lot of time in reading, remembering or trying to understand the problems.

Mathematics requires us to practice solving problems with pen and paper. Only by attempting problems in various ways do we become proficient in applying the quickest method in the shortest time. So, students who like to study by practising with pen and paper, automatically tend to excel in mathematics.

Physics

Physics is the study of matter and its motion through space-time and all that derives from these, such as energy and force. Physics requires thorough understanding of concepts.

Proficiency in physics is measured by our ability to reconstruct or model the physical world through the various laws it follows, and predict the outcome of a given situation. Application of formula to solve problems requires modelling the problem into solvable mathematical equations. Typically, the mathematics involved in solving the problems is very simple. Most students get stuck in the modelling of the problem. They don’t know the method of applying the formula to arrive at a mathematical model to solve the equation. If one does not understand the problem and application of the formulae, no amount of practice will help. Even if one has a perfect memory of the formula and quantities involved, it would not be possible to solve the problem. Just knowing and remembering the concepts as written in the books may not be enough.

Students who are weak in Physics, do not spend time in reading and understanding the concepts. They may be spending a lot of time in reading, remembering and practicing the problems.

Physics requires reading, thinking, visualizing, integrating and understanding. Students who spend time in reading and understanding concepts, do well in physics.

Chemistry

Chemistry is the science concerned with the composition, behaviour, structure, and properties of matter, as well as the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions. It is the study of various atoms, molecules, crystals and other aggregates of matter whether in isolation or combination, which incorporates the concepts of energy and entropy.

Physical chemistry requires thorough understanding of concepts to solve problems. Inorganic chemistry requires knowledge of properties and reactions. Organic chemistry requires understanding as well as knowledge of the compounds and their reactions. All in all, we find that there is a lot more to learn in chemistry than physics and maths combined.

Students who are weak in chemistry do not read and remember. They may be spending time in trying to understand the system or practicing the problems.

Chemistry requires reading, integrating, learning and revising. Students who spend time in reading and learning naturally do well in chemistry.

Proficiency in physics is measured by our ability to reconstruct or model the physical world through the various laws it follows, and predict the outcome of a given situation.

Tips for IIT JEE Success #3 – Develop a System- The Ultimate Weapon

Monday, December 14th, 2009 by admin

Develop a System- The Ultimate Weapon to Win the IIT JEE Battle

Compile the study material

Some questions that come to our mind are:

  • How much material?
  • What IIT JEE courses material should I use?
  • Should I study from the school textbook or the one recommended by the tuition teacher?

There is little time to complete one set of textbooks. It is next to impossible to complete two different sets. Keep just one set of text books for studying the theory (concepts, definitions) and basic problems.

The new pattern of IITJEE has brought it much closer to the school syllabus. So, ideally, it should be the textbook recommended as part of your school syllabus. There is very little difference in the theory presented from one textbook to another. After one set of textbooks is completed, students can look at other books as reference.

Similarly, keep just one set of IITJEE course material.

Note: Collecting too much material is a recipe for disaster

After you have chosen the material that is best for you, how do you put it to the best use? There are as many different ways to study, as there are different people. The trick is to find the study style that works best for you.

Read

This is one of the most useful activity. It takes minimum effort and brings maximum result. Students, who are used to studying from coaching notes, tend to avoid reading. This is the single biggest reason for their failure. No coaching notes can replace reading of textbooks.  The information you gain from reading is important. If you just “do it” without learning something, it is a waste of time. Train your mind to learn!

Read the following:

1. Title
2. Core text and examples
3. Introduction and Summary
4. Heading and subheading
5. Graphics – charts, maps, diagrams, etc. are there to make a point – don’t miss them.
6. Reading aids – italics, bold face print, chapter objective, end-of -chapter questions

Understand

You must understand thoroughly the major ideas and concepts presented. Without such a conceptual framework, you will find yourself faced with the impossible task of trying to cram hundreds of isolated facts into your memory.

* Locate and note down the new terms, which are introduced in the chapter.
* Note down statements, definitions, formulas, etc. which you must remember completely and precisely.
* If you are not able to figure out the meaning, then look it up in the glossary or dictionary.
* Study charts and figures. They usually summarize in graphic form the major ideas and facts of the chapter.

Note: It is a good idea to keep a glossary of your own in the front page of the book. Record the terms and their definition or the page number where the definition is located. This is an excellent aid to refer to when you are reviewing for an examination, as it provides a convenient outline of the course.

Ask question
Ask questions and keep trying to answer them as you read the chapters. The more the questions, the better your comprehension is likely to be. You may always add further questions as you proceed. When your mind is actively searching for answers to questions it becomes engaged in learning.

* Write down the key takeaways (learning) from every topic (make notes)
* Write down the questions that you cannot answer?
* Mark sections for clarification wherever necessary
* Review the key takeaways (notes) after completion

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