Some developments in the promotion of individual study in physics

Abstract

A firm commitment to private study is a characteristic not always found amongst the student community, yet it is essential for a detailed and lasting understanding of a physics course. Part of the reason for this is that students receive essentially no training in study methods. This communication describes how, by structuring the teaching method, attempts have been made to influence student study habits and promote private study in physics at Nottingham University over a period of eight years. The outcome has been a more pragmatic and less idealistic approach than that initially adopted, but at the same time it has emphasised the important role of carefully written study guides and regular feedback. It has, moreover, shown that when teaching is structured to require the students to study first and meet the teacher second, their commitment to private study increases.