I like this article a lot: it raises valid questions which no Uni teacher should ever dismiss. I also agree with Mr Butler, as I often do. (He is right btw but if you want to visit him five years from now I'm sure he wouldn't mind.) As for my subject: Physics is arguably the least useful topic in the curriculum, certainly less important than basic skills in math, reading/writing, civics, other sciences, not to mention a basic appreciation for art, music, languages. And it won't add years to your life like fitness does. This is why many high schools either don't teach it, or offer only weak classes taught by (ahem) instructors of dubious qualification.
So now: my apologia:
1. I don't care if graduates forget Physics formulas. (That's why you get a formula sheet for the final. I only know them because I teach the subject.) There's a deeper point to them: some formulas are definitions, some are inferences, some are laws, and anyone who pays attention in class knows I am constantly harping on the differences. And the reason I do this is because in college you will (I hope) take rigorous and challenging classes. In that environment, the distinction between "definition" and "inference" is crucial, even outside of Physics. I hope paying attention to this becomes automatic to you.
2. It's unlikely any employer would pay you to solve the sorts of questions I pose in Physics. After all, my computer solves them for free. But the essential skills you need to solve Physics problems---learning to assess context, gather information, explore approaches---are applicable in college and beyond, regardless of your major and your career.
3. Physics is hard for many people. What are your survival strategies in a hard class? What do you---you personally---have to do to learn something abstract and inaccessible? I spend a lot of time in class advising people how to learn my subject. You can forget the subject, but at least remember the advice. It is solid.
Those are my reasons for you not to regret Uni. Any teacher could write a corresponding defense of his/her subject; but look, I've been nice and saved them the trouble.
You can come back in 5 years, but also come back in 15, and bring big donations.
On why one should bother
I like this article a lot: it raises valid questions which no Uni teacher should ever dismiss. I also agree with Mr Butler, as I often do. (He is right btw but if you want to visit him five years from now I'm sure he wouldn't mind.) As for my subject: Physics is arguably the least useful topic in the curriculum, certainly less important than basic skills in math, reading/writing, civics, other sciences, not to mention a basic appreciation for art, music, languages. And it won't add years to your life like fitness does. This is why many high schools either don't teach it, or offer only weak classes taught by (ahem) instructors of dubious qualification.
So now: my apologia:
1. I don't care if graduates forget Physics formulas. (That's why you get a formula sheet for the final. I only know them because I teach the subject.) There's a deeper point to them: some formulas are definitions, some are inferences, some are laws, and anyone who pays attention in class knows I am constantly harping on the differences. And the reason I do this is because in college you will (I hope) take rigorous and challenging classes. In that environment, the distinction between "definition" and "inference" is crucial, even outside of Physics. I hope paying attention to this becomes automatic to you.
2. It's unlikely any employer would pay you to solve the sorts of questions I pose in Physics. After all, my computer solves them for free. But the essential skills you need to solve Physics problems---learning to assess context, gather information, explore approaches---are applicable in college and beyond, regardless of your major and your career.
3. Physics is hard for many people. What are your survival strategies in a hard class? What do you---you personally---have to do to learn something abstract and inaccessible? I spend a lot of time in class advising people how to learn my subject. You can forget the subject, but at least remember the advice. It is solid.
Those are my reasons for you not to regret Uni. Any teacher could write a corresponding defense of his/her subject; but look, I've been nice and saved them the trouble.
You can come back in 5 years, but also come back in 15, and bring big donations.