<p>I mean, he's an excellent guy and he KNOWS what he's talking about, but he just can't teach. I often find myself panicking because I have no clue what is going on.</p>
<p>The main problem is the problem solving. We just finished up Newton's laws of motion. I know I have the basics down: visualizing the problem, drawing free body diagrams, etc. The problem solving is where my mind gets blown. His "way" of teaching us problem solving is going up to the board and just solving problems from the textbook in his own world, unaware that 95% of the class has no idea what he is doing. Occasionally, my classmates or I ask a question. He always gives it his best shot to answer it and make us understand... but he's not very gifted at that.</p>
<p>Compounding the problem is the textbook. It's absolutely no help at all. Qualitatively, it's a great resource, describing Newton's laws and kinematics equations very effectively. Quantitatively, as helping to teach problem solving, it's worthless.</p>
<p>Funnily enough, he always seems to throw ridiculous curves on his quizzes and tests. My friend answered 1 out of 4 questions on a quiz correctly, and he still received a 70%. I left half a test incomplete once, only writing down formulas for the ones I couldn't answer. I got it back and it was an 85%. Because of these curves, the freebie homework assignments (which he does in class for us basically), and the labs, I've maintained an A in the class so far. This grade is definitely not reflective of my mastery of the class.</p>
<p>Is there any hope for me? Right now, I'd be extremely lucky to get a 3 on the AP exam. I really need some way to learn this material better in addition to learning how to solve these ridiculous problems.</p>