Re: mcats

[al clark <al@sci.nccu.edu>]

On Fri, 29 Mar 1996, David T. Marx wrote:

>         I completely agree with this statement.  My view is that pre-med
> students are taking physics for two reasons: (1) to learn physics
> (mechanics,thermal physics, waves, electricity & magnetism, optics, and
> modern) and, perhaps equally important, (2) how to think about the world in
> approaching and solving problems.  In most of their other courses, these
> students are asked to memorize everything.  Naturally, they will have
> strong memorization skills; and they approach the physics courses hoping to
> survive using those skills alone. How many of us want to go to a doctor who
> has only memorized medicine and hasn't developed reasoning skills?  We
> shouldn't be teaching our students how to pass tests.  Hopefully, we're
> giving them useful skills that they can carry into all aspects of their
> lives.  That's what teaching any subject is about.
Emotionally, I agree, but the thinking skills won't help anyone else if 
they don't get into med school

Al Clark