Physics tutoring advice

[pinkcadillac]

I am having a lot of difficulty with Physics, so I am planning to get a tutor. So far, I've read through the chapters, taken notes on the concepts and even made a formula sheet for every chapter but I am still not able to solve the problems (although I feel I understand the concepts)....How should I make best use of my time with a tutor so I really understand Physics? Should I ask him/her to go over content with me? Or go over problems with me? Or both? I am using Berkeley Review Physics in conjunction with EK 1001 Physics right now. Would it be efficient to look at the answers at the back of the book if I can't understand how to solve a problem and see how the author solves the problem and learn Physics this way? Or should I ask the tutor to go over the problems with me?

Thanks a lot

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[TommyDoc]

If you understand the concepts like you said, then it is probably a visual problem. By this I mean you are not seeing the different ways that they are asking the same problem. Go through EK 1001 according to what your reading and do the problems again and again. You have to get familiar with all the different ways the problem will be asked. Keep doing the same problems until it sticks.

I have the same problem and the way I get past it is repetition.

 

[Isoprop]

Are you getting a MCAT tutor or a regular physics tutor? If it's the former, the MCAT tutor should be experienced on how to help you. If it's the latter, you will need to do more planning with your tutor.

What I see working best is doing the EK Physics 1001 problems with your tutor. Do every other or every third problem with your tutor together on topics you have problems with. When you miss questions or get lucky guesses, your tutor should explain the concept.

Do passage-based questions at home and bring in the ones you have the most difficulty with. Also, if you are going to bring in a lot of passages (more than 2), it would be best if you could photocopy/email him the passages before your sessions so he can adequately prepare for the lessons. That way, he won't spend 20 minutes doing the passage during your session and jump right into helping you study.

PM me if you have more questions or need suggestions with where to find tutors.

 

[pinkcadillac]

Thanks everyone. Anyone else have advice?