This is starting to happen already, but I have been thinking that at this point, you are starting to know and understand a lot, and it would be ideal there were much more a peer-to-peer discussion of homework problems and other issues associated with this class. Up to now, I have the sense that many questions are directed to me, more or less, and I would like to encourage you to ask and respond to each others questions freely. I can still contribute, but with a less central role in the comments and discussion. I think many issues can be addressed effectively via peer-to-peer discussion and that that has great value.
In the past there has been a high degree of correlation between active involvement in web site discussion and very high performance in a class(of the A, A+ variety). I think that, for most people, formulating questions, and discussing and explaining things to others, will tends to greatly deepen your understanding. I would like to encourage you to take advantage of this resource and contribute generously to a lively discussion with your fellow students.
(see also next post up).
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I've thought about this too, but I don't think the blog format really lends itself to this kind of a model...that is, it's set up to talk about specific topics chosen by the administrator, with possible comments following that topic. There are things I've come across that would probably benefit others, and I have some questions that others may be able to answer. A forum seems more fitting for a true peer-to-peer thing.
ReplyDeleteIdeally, it would have support for LaTeX ...or at least for inserting images. If nobody else sets one up, I can do it this weekend. I've got at least one computer lying around that can work as a server, and I have a static IP. But if anyone knows of a free forum online that supports LaTeX, please start it up. If you don't want to, I'll even manage it if you find it.
I totally agree Edolfo for the simple reason that it gets quite difficult to express physics in simple text. That, and Zack's drawings can be daunting to study. Just kidding. (maybe)
ReplyDeleteTrue, my drawings are not that clear, and the site format is rather flat and inflexible, but I don't think that,at this point, these technological limitation are the central thing.
ReplyDeleteI would encourage you to give this a try with the three problems just posted. Having three separate problems will provide some improved organization and focus for comments over what we have had previously. I think that is off to a pretty good start; i have high hopes.
I know it can be difficult to express physics in simple text, but perhaps that limitation, though frustrating, could inadvertently help us develop new communicationskills and styles. (I know it has for me.) I do think there is value in practicing expressing our physics thoughts and results in ordinary words. As majors, probably most of your communication related to physics has been in the form of equations. That is not the only way science is communicated. When you write a paper, words, especially in the introduction, discussion and conclusion, play a key role (and when you send a highlight to the NSF they want words and pictures that are understandable to a congressional staffer).
So I've got something set up, but maybe I'll wait until Tuesday to see if I should even share the link?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I agree with Zack on science communication. Last quarter I took a numerical analysis course, and the professor never asked for any code. He said to write all the reports in such a way as to communicate what you were doing to someone with limited technical knowledge. It's quite challenging at first, but forces you to be a better writer. I think for QM, it forces you to really think about things in terms of pictures and ideas rather than L-2 spaces, Dirac notation and non-commutative algebras, which in turn means you have to understand what's actually happening instead of just churning out the mathematics.
ReplyDeleteThen again, I do like my equations...
I agree with Zack in the way that I'm generally terrible at math compared to most of the rest of the other kids at this level, so being able to express what I mean in words helps me out of many a jam. I feel that my conceptual understanding of physics is generally very good, and I can explain phenomenon to people much better than many others at my level, but if you (a physics major) asked me to back it up with equations and proofs, I'd just try to draw a graph instead of write equations.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree that peer-to-peer interaction and discussion is essential to understanding physics (and everything), but interacting behind a computer screen with keyboards is not the most effective way. Many of us have study groups and work together a few times a week to solve and discuss the homework, and I find it more beneficial than typing something and waiting for a response. There are times and situations where writing, careful word choice and non-face-to-face interactions are the best option to communicate, but not here.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, this online discussion does have some value. I usually don't express my physics life through written words, so it has helped me think about QM from a different perspective. I will continue to use this blog ...just not as much as face-to-face interaction :)
It should be noted that I have a mixed relationship with academics and physics.