High School Physics | Reasoning, Not Memorization

High school physics instruction focused on reasoning rather than memorization.

I hold a B.S. in Physics (Magna Cum Laude) from Bradley University in Peoria and have several years of experience providing private physics instruction to local high school students.

What Physics Exams Actually Test

Well-designed physics assessments do not primarily test whether a student remembers formulas or does the math correctly. They test whether the student can interpret a situation, identify the governing structure, and select an appropriate model. A good test presents problems that differ in surface form from those seen in class or homework; the task is determining which underlying principle(s) apply.

Why Students Often Struggle with Physics

Surface forms vary without limit, but the governing principles are limited and structured. This is the case in physics and in all of life. Strong performance therefore depends on identifying which principles apply in a given situation and reasoning from them carefully rather than recognizing familiar patterns or relying solely on intuition. That layer of reasoning is rarely practiced directly.

The Focus of My Instruction

My work focuses on strengthening that reasoning layer through structured workshops and private physics instruction. This site outlines the approach and the standards that guide the work.

Parent Feedback

“What stood out most was your ability to break down complex concepts into manageable steps. It made a real difference for both of my children in understanding the material and building confidence. You offered a framework through which they could tackle any problem. It was excellent work.”
– Jocelyn, parent of two former students