Goodbye Old Habits

21. I earned the grade I selected for number 20 because of my unacceptable work ethic. Throughout this semester, I have gone below my own standards and much of many others’ expectations. My absences of class are of also cause to this grade because it is extremely important to attend all class periods. Although I had gone through the day in which I had “woken up,” it seems as if I somehow didn’t grasp it long enough and “fell back asleep.” I also believe I received this grade because I didn’t study correctly. My previous study habits have been ineffective in this class and I wasn’t able to change them quickly enough. Through my reflections of how first semester had gone, I now know everything that I can change and how to. I hope that this grade motivates me to do better in the future, only because I know I can.

22. My three areas of strengths include understanding concepts when studied, taking effective notes, and the act of “trying to pursue” the mastering of physics due to my high interest in the subject. When I study a concept, I try to make sure that I understand what it is, if not most of it. I do this because I know that as I keep on studying, I gain a better insight and knowledge of what I am supposed to know. I have the ability to take effective notes through paying attention and trying to understand concepts. Although there may be times where it is not put to paper, I conduct taking notes in my mind through evaluating and understanding things, whether they are from a group presentation, or a lecture on life. My last top strength is the pursuing of the mastery of physics. This to me is one of the most important things in taking this class. The downside to this is that I am not going at the rate at which I want to learn. The three areas that I need to improve on most are the amount of time used to study topics, turning in all of my assignments, and change my style of learning. Based on my knowledge of physics and looking at my time log, I have to put in way more ours into studying. Once this is achieved, I know that more assignments will be turned in as a result to my knowledge. Aside from this is the key to fixing all of my problems. The moment I start using an effective style of studying, I know that I will be able to master physics and almost anything Mr. T has to throw at me.

23. Physics is the understanding (not knowing, because there is a huge difference between the two) of matter and its very existence. This leads to all things that apply, such as energy, forces, motion, etc.

24. I used my study group to the point at which I was gaining knowledge about concepts, but not to the level at which I could master them. The effectiveness of study groups depends on each of the members’ will to work towards the same goal. Most of the time, it is difficult to achieve this because not everyone is on the same level, or wants to be. Including whomever my lab partner was or where I sat, I would utilize my resources as they were given to better help myself. Aside from my point of reference in learning, I would also reach out to other groups or individuals if they needed help. Helping other also help me gain a better understanding of what I already knew because it worked as if I was reviewing.

25. Throughout the whole semester, I had about 50-60 entries. Although this may or may not cover the total amount of given assignments, it is still not enough to account for the total amount of entries I need to have a strong understanding of physics. I should have more entries to cover the needed periods of studying. I ended up having a total amount of approximately 65 hours, 40 for the 2nd and 25 for the first quarter. I know that this is not a sufficient amount of time spent for this class, having knowledge of how much content it covers.