Self Educating In Physics

Andrew Dotson
27 Nov 201803:45
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe speaker discusses the importance of self-education in physics, emphasizing that students often need to teach themselves due to unhelpful professors. They argue that this skill is not only beneficial but also essential for future problem-solving in research, as it prepares students for tackling unsolved problems and developing independent learning strategies. The speaker shares personal experiences of overcoming self-doubt and gaining confidence through internships and self-study, encouraging PhD students and those with self-education experience to share their insights.

Takeaways
  • 🎓 Self-education is crucial in physics as it prepares you for problem-solving and independent study.
  • 👨‍🏫 Some students find themselves teaching certain subjects, like differential equations, on their own due to unhelpful professors.
  • 🚀 Physics degrees aim to mold students into problem solvers, which is essential for future research and tackling unsolved problems.
  • 📚 Independent learning is key because it teaches you how to assess your understanding without the guidance of tests or grades.
  • 🔬 Real-world physics research often involves solving new problems and validating solutions without a pre-existing framework.
  • 💻 Internships and research positions may require you to write code or solve equations independently, necessitating self-assessment of your work.
  • 🔍 Creating and passing tests for your own work is a vital skill to ensure the validity of your findings and solutions.
  • 💡 Confidence in one's own learning and problem-solving abilities is crucial, but overconfidence can lead to mistakes and oversights.
  • 🤔 Self-education can be intimidating, especially when faced with the responsibility of validating your own work.
  • 📈 The process of self-education involves a balance between confidence and humility, learning from mistakes, and moving forward effectively.
Q & A

  • What is the main issue discussed in the transcript?

    -The main issue discussed is the challenge and importance of self-educating in physics, particularly when faced with unhelpful professors and the necessity of independent study to keep up with classes.

  • What does the saying 'You should never let school get in the way of your education' imply?

    -The saying implies that sometimes traditional educational systems or methods may not be sufficient for true learning and personal development, and individuals should seek knowledge independently if necessary.

  • Why is it beneficial to learn how to teach yourself material in physics?

    -It is beneficial because self-education prepares students to become problem solvers, which is a crucial skill not only for their academic success but also for their future careers, especially in research and solving unprecedented problems.

  • What is the ultimate goal of obtaining a physics degree?

    -The ultimate goal of obtaining a physics degree is to mold students into problem solvers, equipping them with the skills to tackle and solve both established and new problems in the field.

  • How does independent study during undergraduate years prepare students for future challenges?

    -Independent study during undergraduate years helps students develop the ability to learn and understand material without guidance, a skill that is essential for tackling unsolved problems and conducting research later in their careers.

  • What is the significance of creating and passing tests when teaching yourself?

    -Creating and passing tests is significant because it allows students to objectively assess their understanding of the material, ensuring they have grasped the concepts before moving on to the next topic or problem.

  • What is the role of confidence in self-education and problem-solving?

    -Confidence plays a crucial role in self-education and problem-solving as it enables students to trust their understanding and abilities, which is necessary for making progress and overcoming challenges.

  • Why is it important not to be overconfident when solving problems independently?

    -It is important not to be overconfident because it can lead to overlooking potential errors or misunderstandings. A balance between confidence and critical self-assessment is necessary for accurate problem-solving and continuous learning.

  • What does the speaker suggest for students who are struggling with self-education?

    -The speaker suggests that struggling students should persist with self-education as it is a valuable skill that will benefit them in their future academic and professional endeavors, and they should seek to gain confidence through practice and experience.

  • What is the speaker's personal experience with self-education?

    -The speaker's personal experience with self-education involved teaching themselves how to code to solve a numerical equation during an internship. Initially lacking confidence, they had to learn to trust their abilities and the validity of their solutions.

  • What does the speaker encourage PhD students and those with self-education experience to do?

    -The speaker encourages PhD students and those with self-education experience to share their experiences in the comments section to provide insights and support for others who may be facing similar challenges.

Outlines
00:00
🤓 The Necessity of Self-Education in Physics

The speaker discusses the common issue of students having to self-educate due to unhelpful professors, particularly in physics. They emphasize that this self-education is not a drawback but a valuable skill for future problem-solving, especially in research where one must learn independently and validate their own work. The speaker shares personal experiences from an internship where they had to teach themselves coding to solve a numerical equation and the importance of gaining confidence in one's own learning process.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡self-educating
Self-educating refers to the process of independently acquiring knowledge or skills without formal instruction from a teacher or institution. In the context of the video, it is highlighted as a crucial skill for physics students who may find themselves needing to teach certain concepts to themselves due to unsatisfactory teaching. The speaker emphasizes that self-education is not only beneficial for overcoming poor teaching but also prepares students for the independent problem-solving required in research and real-world applications.
💡problem solver
A problem solver is an individual who is adept at identifying, analyzing, and finding solutions to various challenges or issues. In the video, the speaker asserts that a physics degree aims to mold students into problem solvers, equipping them with the ability to tackle both known and unknown problems. This skill is particularly important in the field of physics research, where new questions and unsolved problems are a common occurrence.
💡independent study
Independent study is a form of learning where individuals pursue knowledge or develop skills on their own, without the direct guidance of a teacher or structured curriculum. In the video, the speaker encourages students to embrace independent study as a valuable method for learning, especially when faced with unhelpful professors. This approach fosters the development of critical thinking and self-reliance, which are vital skills for success in higher education and beyond.
💡classical mechanics
Classical mechanics is a branch of physics that deals with the motion of bodies under the influence of various forces, typically using the principles of Newtonian mechanics. It is a fundamental subject in physics education and forms the basis for understanding more complex theories. In the video, the speaker uses classical mechanics as an example of a course that students might need to self-educate in if they find their professor lacking in effective teaching methods.
💡differential equations
Differential equations are mathematical equations that involve an unknown function and its derivatives. They are essential tools in physics and engineering for modeling various phenomena, including the motion of objects, the behavior of fluids, and the propagation of waves. In the video, the speaker refers to differential equations as a challenging topic that students might have to learn independently if their professors are not effective in teaching it.
💡research internship
A research internship is a temporary position, typically for students or recent graduates, that provides hands-on experience in conducting research under the supervision of professionals in a specific field. In the video, the speaker uses the example of a research internship to illustrate the practical application of self-education and problem-solving skills in a real-world setting, particularly when faced with tasks such as coding to solve complex equations that have not been previously solved.
💡code
In the context of the video, 'code' refers to a set of programming instructions written to perform specific tasks, such as solving mathematical equations. The speaker discusses the necessity of coding as a skill in physics research, especially when dealing with problems that cannot be solved analytically and require numerical methods. Writing and testing code is an example of the independent problem-solving skills that are crucial for physicists and researchers.
💡test
In the video, 'test' refers to a method of verification or assessment used to determine the correctness or functionality of a solution, such as a piece of code or a mathematical model. The speaker emphasizes the importance of creating and passing tests as a means for individuals to validate their work, particularly in the context of self-education where there is no external validation like a graded test or exam.
💡confidence
Confidence, in the context of the video, refers to the self-assurance and belief in one's abilities and the correctness of one's work, especially when engaging in self-education and problem-solving without direct supervision. The speaker shares their personal journey of gaining confidence through overcoming challenges and learning to trust their own understanding and solutions to problems.
💡PhD
A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest academic degree that can be earned in many fields, including physics. It involves original research and the demonstration of expertise in a particular area of study. In the video, the speaker suggests that individuals who have completed or are in the process of completing a PhD may have valuable insights into the process of self-education, given the independent research and problem-solving required at this advanced level of study.
💡overconfidence
Overconfidence is a state of excessive self-assurance or certainty in one's abilities, judgments, or decisions, often leading to underestimation of risks or potential errors. In the video, the speaker warns against becoming overconfident after convincing oneself of the correctness of their work, as this can lead to overlooking potential mistakes or issues that may arise later in the research or problem-solving process.
💡second-guessing
Second-guessing is the act of doubting or questioning one's own decisions or actions after they have been made. In the context of the video, the speaker discusses the pitfalls of second-guessing oneself, which can hinder progress and impede the ability to move forward with confidence in one's work. This is particularly relevant when discussing the process of self-education and independent problem-solving, where there is no immediate external validation.
Highlights

The importance of self-education in physics is emphasized, as it prepares students for problem-solving and independent research.

An old saying is mentioned, 'Never let school get in the way of your education', highlighting that not all educational experiences are positive or productive.

Students often find themselves teaching themselves certain material, such as differential equations, due to unhelpful professors.

Self-education is presented as a beneficial skill for future careers, especially in research and solving new, unsolved problems.

The process of self-education involves learning how to assess one's own understanding of material without the guidance of tests or grades.

The necessity of independent learning is underscored by the fact that there are no set solutions or syllabi for new problems in physics.

The speaker shares their personal experience of self-teaching and the challenges of gaining confidence in their own learning process.

The importance of creating and passing tests to validate one's own work is discussed, as it is crucial for moving forward in research and problem-solving.

The speaker's first internship experience is shared, where they had to teach themselves coding to solve a numerical equation.

The fear and uncertainty faced during self-teaching, especially when it comes to trusting one's own solutions, is acknowledged.

The process of not being overconfident while also not second-guessing oneself is discussed as an important balance in self-education.

The speaker invites PhD students and those with self-education experience to share their stories in the comments.

The transcript emphasizes the value of self-education in developing critical thinking and autonomy, which are essential for scientific advancement.

The transcript suggests that self-education can lead to improved research skills and the ability to tackle complex problems independently.

The transcript highlights the transition from learning solved problems to exploring unsolved questions, which is a key aspect of a physicist's journey.

The transcript touches on the psychological aspects of self-education, including confidence and the fear of making mistakes.

Transcripts

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Physics EducationSelf-TeachingProblem SolvingResearch InternshipPhD ExperienceIndependent StudyAcademic StrugglesCode TestingNumerical SolutionsConfidence Building