Really bad physics teacher...not sure what to do.

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>To start, I'm currently a senior who was required to take physics at either the regents level (normal) or the IB level. I decided to take the IB level knowing full well that I was in for a hell of a ride, but I didn't realize that it would be this ridiculous. It may have only been the fourth day of school for me, but I can already tell that I may be in trouble for the IB exam along with the regents exam at the end of this year. </p>

<p>Currently, we are learning about uncertainties and errors (a standard physics topic), but the way our teacher has presented it was so bad that nobody in our class understood it. He would talk about one value, and then switch it to something else because it "fit" the context of what he was saying better, but would forget to change the other variables in the problem because he would constantly talk. It was bad, really. Unfortunately, his constant mistakes and apparent social awkwardness weren't the only problems. </p>

<p>A friend and I had asked him earlier today if we could stay after school to repeat the "mini-lab" in order to figure out what we had done wrong the first time around, and to possibly gain a better understanding of what we were learning, which he had no problem with. However, he conveniently forgot to mention that he teaches elementary school during the afternoon. We left disgruntled and without a physics teacher. So as I am typing this, I am looking through his website trying to find notes, power points, or anything else on the topic we are learning about because he doesn't write anything on the board. But then again, since our textbook doesn't cover uncertainties and errors, I guess his website doesn't have to either. -.-</p>

<p>I know the man means well, but he just can't teach. The obvious solution to this problem would be to drop out and go into regular level physics, but since I am applying to BS/MD programs, I don't want a W to appear on my transcript. It looks worse than failing in some cases, especially when it's an IB class. I don't plan to drop out, and I plan to learn the material even if it means self-studying, but I am seriously worried that my performance on the regents (let alone the IB exam) won't be sufficient enough even if I had a whole year of a regents education instead. </p>

<p>Should I just stick it out and hope for the best in this case?
EDIT: I should mention that there is no honors physics. It's only regents or IB. >_></p>

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<p>I think your best option is to self-study the material. I’m not sure what textbook your class uses, but if it’s a bad textbook, you may want to buy a better one. Since I’m guessing this is IB physics SL, it should be pretty close to AP physics B, so you may want one of these textbooks:</p>

<p>[AP:</a> Physics B](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>AP Physics C: Mechanics – AP Students | College Board)</p>

<p>(I’ve heard that my school’s IB physics class uses Giancoli’s book)</p>

<p>Other than that, just read ahead and try to learn the things yourself.</p>

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<p>OK I am in the same position as you - I take IB physics HL and my physics teacher is not good at all. Firstly, make sure you have a good textbook. I like Physics for the IB Diploma by K.A. Tsokos. It might seem a bit difficult and excessive but it’s very comprehensive. I self-studied most of it and I managed to get a predicted grade of a (low) 7. Are you doing SL or HL? I would send you some resources if you like.</p>

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<p>Punch him in the face.</p>