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Stompy · 03-16-2006, 10:24 AM

I'm not sure if it's stress, lack of motivation, or what, but I'm going to end up dropping my Calc 3 class this semester.

Maybe I lack the discipline to get up every morning, drive 15 miles to class, stay for an hour, then drive back and have to work 8 hours (sometimes much more), but the fact is, I still maintain a STRONG interest in math and physics. If the school were closer to me, I'd be more inclined to go each and every day.

It gave me an idea: teach myself. Despite dropping the class, I'll still read the calc book and work the problems, understanding the concepts that each section conveys. I won't get a grade, or college credit, but the knowledge - which is the only thing that matters (at least, to me).

Hell, I read up on special relativity and work out the problems (for ex, from Feynman's books) to get a better understanding of it all.. just for shits and giggles, as something to do. Whenever books dive into topics of chemistry where it doesn't elaborate, and I'm unfamiliar with the topic, I find myself on wiki, google.. wherever, finding information, teaching myself those topics.

I would also feel more comfortable knowing I can learn at my own pace. If I'm having a stressful day, or need to work 12 hours, there won't be that feeling of "failure" if I don't complete my homework or didn't find time to study.

Using the library, the internet, or maybe even buying used textbooks here and there, I'm curious as to how well this method would work as I get more advanced into the physics/math.

The determination is there, and I almost feel more.. willing and motived to do this as opposed to actually attending class.

Another advantage is... when I decide to take up Calc 3 again, or take physics/chemistry, I'll be VERY familiar with the material making it easier and less stressful to be pressured into the schedule those classes would require. Meaning.. I wouldn't necessarily have to spend 3 hours on homework doing basic force problems because I already understand it.

I had an idea to email the heads of math and physics departments at nearby colleges, asking them what textbooks they use in their courses.. that way I can head out and get what I need.

I notice through my classes that the professors don't really elaborate much beyond the scope of the book. I've done it before where I missed 2 days, but read the material myself and fully understood it. Upon going back to class, I actually found I was ahead of where the professor was.

Has anyone done this, or know of anyone who's done this?

Any thoughts?

03-16-2006, 10:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
Stompy Banned from being Banned Location: Donkey	Self teaching vs. College I'm not sure if it's stress, lack of motivation, or what, but I'm going to end up dropping my Calc 3 class this semester. Maybe I lack the discipline to get up every morning, drive 15 miles to class, stay for an hour, then drive back and have to work 8 hours (sometimes much more), but the fact is, I still maintain a STRONG interest in math and physics. If the school were closer to me, I'd be more inclined to go each and every day. It gave me an idea: teach myself. Despite dropping the class, I'll still read the calc book and work the problems, understanding the concepts that each section conveys. I won't get a grade, or college credit, but the knowledge - which is the only thing that matters (at least, to me). Hell, I read up on special relativity and work out the problems (for ex, from Feynman's books) to get a better understanding of it all.. just for shits and giggles, as something to do. Whenever books dive into topics of chemistry where it doesn't elaborate, and I'm unfamiliar with the topic, I find myself on wiki, google.. wherever, finding information, teaching myself those topics. I would also feel more comfortable knowing I can learn at my own pace. If I'm having a stressful day, or need to work 12 hours, there won't be that feeling of "failure" if I don't complete my homework or didn't find time to study. Using the library, the internet, or maybe even buying used textbooks here and there, I'm curious as to how well this method would work as I get more advanced into the physics/math. The determination is there, and I almost feel more.. willing and motived to do this as opposed to actually attending class. Another advantage is... when I decide to take up Calc 3 again, or take physics/chemistry, I'll be VERY familiar with the material making it easier and less stressful to be pressured into the schedule those classes would require. Meaning.. I wouldn't necessarily have to spend 3 hours on homework doing basic force problems because I already understand it. I had an idea to email the heads of math and physics departments at nearby colleges, asking them what textbooks they use in their courses.. that way I can head out and get what I need. I notice through my classes that the professors don't really elaborate much beyond the scope of the book. I've done it before where I missed 2 days, but read the material myself and fully understood it. Upon going back to class, I actually found I was ahead of where the professor was. Has anyone done this, or know of anyone who's done this? Any thoughts? __________________ I love lamp.