Student advice to future students

At the beginning of each semester, I give a little pep talk. Essentially, what do you need to do to be successful in physics. It seems no one listens to me. So, I am trying something new. Maybe students will listen to students. On the final exam, I gave a space for students to give advice to future students (completely optional and worth no points). I also gave them the option to post their advice online (here). If they wanted to be acknowledged, they simply gave me their call-sign or whatever.

Below are essentially all of the responses that wanted to be included and posted online. The name in parenthesis at the beginning is how they wanted to be credited (no one put down a twitter id). I tried to accurately reproduce what they were trying to say. I couldn't help but to correct most of the spelling mistakes. There was one response that I just had to include as a picture (at the end).

Too bad I don't have a time machine (yet) or I could go back to the beginning of the semester and show these to the students themselves.

(Brandon): I'm a 3.7 GPA student. I thought this would be like every other easy class, and for the first 3 tests I didn't use WebAssign. the first test I got a B on, so I thought I was okay. On the second and 3rd test, I got D's. For the final, I used WebAssign and learned it's worth it!

I had in mind that physics is all about being able to solve all the problems of the book, but I was wrong. The demonstration of zero gravity during flight, neutrinos discussions, wheel demonstrations, the glass with water with strings demonstration, and all classroom discussions increased my understanding of the physics, so I would suggest to continue to encourage the students with these demonstrations, mini-projects and classroom discussions.

The best idea is to study the textbook before Dr. Allain teaches the chapter. If that is hard, study the chapter while he is on that chapter. Don't just be left behind. If you follow him and the textbook, you will be good. Otherwise, you will feel like what is he really teaching?

(Joline Leeth): I would tell future students to make sure to do ALL the WebAssigns and the practice test questions that are put on BlackBoard. Make sure to keep up wiht the se assignments so they can be able to ask questions when needed. One thing that was very helpful was forming a study group. Being able to discuss the problems with your peers was very helpful and made the steps easier to recall and understand. Make friends so if you miss class, you won't fall behind but come to class as much as possible. You can do very well if you put forth the time and effort! This can be a great class if you let it!

(Jessica Rhodus): Do the practice problems in class and make sure to ask questions. WebAssign is a good tool to use when preparing for the test because it teaches you the fundamental principles in a step by step process. If you do these two things, you should be able to pass the class with a good grade.

You should study 3 hours for every hour you are in class. Physics is hard.

Most of the questions on the test are from WebAssign. For the practice problems in the books, go through the books. Try to solve the problems. Remember the concepts, you will be able to solve almost all of them. Enjoy the class and don't forget to take the notes (solution) Dr. Allain gives. It's easier if you study well.

If you are having family medical issues which make you miss most of the semester, drop the class and don't feel like even though the final will make up for the missed tests, without going to class due to those emergencies, you will not do will on the final and end up failing a class you could have passed by going next semester when all the emergencies have ended. [yes - one sentence]

Do not procrastinate. Try to stay ahead. Read the chapters prior to class. Do not wait until the last minute to study. Although homework is not mandatory, finish ahead of time as if it is to help you stay current. Do not try to learn the whole course at the end. P.S. Take the test!!

USE WEBASSIGN. Yes, in all capital letters. Increases understanding exponentially. Oh, and GO TO CLASS. I didn't, that's why I failed.

(name): Do homework regularly and use WebAssign in addition to chapter notes.

*Definitely do WebAssign. It is a must if you want to pass. *Make him laugh!

USE WEBASSIGN!!!

(Sarah H.): Very helpful to do WebAssigns even though they are not required. The problems are great help to really learn the material. Have to outside work/studying. Come to class to hear lectures and material. Great teacher will learn alot.

(Crazy Evgene): Do the WebAssign. Keep up with the reading. Remember the three fundamental principles. Don't get overwhelmed by all the big numbers. Finally, this course is not very hard if you study regularly.

To do the work on the webs, it helps alot.

For perspective PHYS 221 student, I would strongly recommend to study the book. As far as I know, the book is very very helpful and if you want to make yourself clear with the concepts, read the book and discuss with friends.

Use the Red book not the white one.

(Jordon Cornett): My advice to future Physics 221 students would be to DO THE HOMEWORKS!! Once I began doing the homeworks, I understood everything better and I saw my grade improve. You can not expect to come to class and just write down what Dr. Allain puts on the board and expect an A or B. You must put forth the extra effort and do work outside of class also. Including the homework.

(Jack Big Daddy): Don't make speakers out of plastic cups. Funny w, y, Y, I. Bass guitar != guitar guitar.

"Best way to learn physics is to do physics" - Rhett Allain. "Dr. Allain is right" - Austin Bucher. Go beyond plug and chug equations.