What is a Mantra?
A mantra is typically a word, sound, or phrase repeated frequently. It can aide in helping one focus or meditate. In this class, the purpose of these mantras is to remind ourselves that education is a journey, not a destination. Keep these in mind throughout the year to help you get the most out of our class!
Be Ready and Willing to Struggle! We learn the most when we struggle and find ideas difficult. Your brain is a muscle – when you challenge your brain it is like working out in the gym. Some students believe that struggle is a sign of weakness. This is very far from the truth. We know that the most successful people in the world are those who react positively in times of struggle.
Mistakes are Beautiful! The best way to revise and improve our thinking is to make a mistake and learn from it. When you try something and it doesn’t work, that just means you have more information about how to adjust for your next try.
Ask Questions Learners need to be curious to improve their understanding. Whatever you are pondering, many others are likely pondering too. Ask yourself questions, ask your classmates questions, ask me questions!
Slow is Good! It is not about speed. Physicists, Engineers, Mathematicians, Researchers, whoever you are thinking about in STEM are often very slow thinkers as they think deeply, try things, reflect, revise, and try again.
Focus on Growth Consider your strengths and weaknesses, and focus on improving those. Try to assess what you need to grow. Initiative discussions about your improvements and needs. Celebrate your growth, it is important. Identify your needs, it is equally as important.
Compare Yourself to Yourself! Everyone's journey occurs at a different rate, so compare yourself to yourself and not to others. Your focus should be on your individual growth. In our Physics classes, we come in with different strengths and needs. As tempting as it is, don't compare yourself to others. Reflect on your strengths, needs, and growth regularly to maintain a positive outlook and help combat imposter syndrome.
Use the Resources Available to You! This course is designed to help you become a confident and self-sufficient problem solver. Critical thinkers don't have all the information, but they do know where to get the information! Use your resources-- your notes, our website, your classmates, reliable internet sources, and me. And if after all of that you're still struggling...
Advocate for Yourself! When you are stuck, confused, or in a pickle (academic or personal), all you need to do is ask. Never feel like you are alone when you are stuck. Ask for help, and recognize that help comes in all different forms.