Basic skills needed before studying physics!

Based on my experience in teaching physics, almost every year i received complaint from form4 student that physics are among their toughest subject.Sometimes they said it is too hot to handle.Some said they can't even relate what they 've learned in science PMR. Sadly to say it happened also to those who got straight A in PMR. Sometimes i wonder how did they get A in science but really 'blur' while studying physics.

Anyway,to learn physics u need to be mentally prepared. U need certain thinking skills to enhance your understanding on this subject.Well..what kind of skills do u need in order to study Physics for SPM? Here i list down some of the skills needed :

1. Mathematic skills:
It is not the add maths skills..but basic skills u learned in modern maths , i.e in  algebra,standard  form,ratio,gradient of straight line graph,variation,trigonometri. If u are very weak on those topic, u'll find it very hard to understand certain physics concept.

2.Logical reasoning
It is very helpful if u have the skills to apply logical reasoning in order to get solution from a given physics problem. For example, if u are asked to design a car that can accelerate faster..Logically we can say that the heavier the car the slower it will move. So u have to make sure that the car body is made from a lighter materials.
It is logic..isnt it

3. Problem solving skills
If u joint scout team..u might have been taught to solve a situation in a camping trip. For example, u are asked  to build a tent using bamboos. U've got to ensure that the tent is strong enough to overcome stronger wind. U've got to gather some information & design an action plan to do it.Then start to prioritize them so that u know which action need to be taken first.Basically all of these activities require a good problem solving skills which is not taught in most of the SPM text book.

4.Good Study skills
Some student studied very hard..but they dont study smart. In the end they dont get the result they want. . U need a good study habit and u've got to be smart & creative. For example while doing your own notes,use bright colors,mind map diagrams or cartoons to visualize your physics notes..make physics a fun subject to learn. Another suggestion is to study in a group. Sometimes by having a study group, u can actually solve physics problem in short time compared doing it alone. Two head is better than one :)

There are maybe many other skills that i m not able to mention in this post..Whatever it is, my final words to these form 4 students..DO not HATE this subject . Try to get to know it with passion..who knows one day u'll fall in LOVE with it :)

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