13.09.2024
About the author: Yuta Mikhalkin volunteers for Physics in the Science Olympiad media team and studies mathematics in the University of Geneva.
Participating is completely optional, and unlike school tests, there’s no pressure to pass. This makes it much easier to focus on the challenges themselves without the usual academic stress. Plus, there’s no long-term commitment – if you decide not to continue to the next round, that’s totally okay. The experience is all about learning and having fun at your own pace.
Yerkes-Dodson Law (1908): This classic theory proposes that performance improves with increased arousal (pressure or stress) up to a certain point. However, once stress levels exceed that optimal level, performance declines. Olympiads can, for many, strike a perfect balance by incorporating a small amount of stress due to their format, but, as mentioned, they aren’t as high-stakes as school tests.
Most Physics Olympiad problems focus on "outside the box" thinking rather than relying solely on memorized facts or pure knowledge. This makes preparation for the first round less critical, as the challenges are designed to test your ability to think creatively and approach problems from unique angles. The emphasis is on applying what you know in innovative ways, so even without extensive prep, you can still enjoy and succeed in tackling the problems. It's truly more about exploring new ways of thinking than rote learning. Furthermore, olympiad preparations, like the fall camp or the EPFL training, focus on building skills needed for later rounds - skills that are overall very valuable as well.
Problem-Based Learning: A 2019 study by Savery and Duffy found that problem-based learning helps students develop critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations – skills often underdeveloped in standard school curricula due to a lack of time. Problem-based learning is a key element of Physics Olympiads, as they challenge participants to tackle complex, real-world problems rather than simply testing memorized knowledge.
Physics covers a huge variety of topics and has one of the broadest ranges of research areas. And what we learn in school is just a small glimpse of everything it has to offer. Participating in Physics Olympiads will expose you to areas of physics that you may have never explored before and that might seem like a completely different subject! You might actually enjoy them more than what you’ve seen so far. While school classes offer a strong foundation in fundamental areas of physics, such as classical mechanics and electromagnetism, there is, unfortunately, often no time to go deeper or treat the numerous topics that are missing from the curriculum.
Even for regular school topics, you might find yourself understanding concepts better during Physics Olympiads because of the different learning approach. Everyone’s learning approach is unique. Physics Olympiads emphasize applying knowledge through creative problem-solving and hands-on tasks. If you’re somebody who struggles with purely theoretical learning, this can make abstract ideas more tangible and relatable for you, allowing you to see the real-world applications of what you've learned. By thinking outside the box and tackling challenges from fresh perspectives, you're likely to gain a deeper and more practical understanding of topics you may have struggled with in school.
Active Learning Effectiveness: In 2014, a meta-analysis by the psychologist Scott Freeman and his team found that for some students, active learningleads to higher performance and deeper understanding than traditional lecturing. Olympiads push students to actively engage with problems, fostering a deeper grasp of material for some.
Even if you end up not finding the Physics Olympiads problems themselves particularly exciting, the experience offers so much more. The events surrounding Olympiads – such as workshops, excursions, and practical activities – provide opportunities to explore new concepts in a fun and interactive way. Plus, you get the chance to meet like-minded people from different places who share your interests. The social aspect, whether it's connecting with fellow participants, exchanging ideas, or learning from specialists, adds a whole new dimension. Even if the competition doesn’t captivate you, the friendships and memories you make will definitely leave a lasting impact.
In conclusion, participating in Physics Olympiads, no matter how far you go, is always an enriching personal experience. Beyond the skills you sharpen and the knowledge you gain, Physics Olympiads demonstrate qualities like initiative, problem solving, and a willingness to challenge yourself. These qualities stand out to future employers or academic institutions, and the personal growth that comes from tackling new challenges and connecting with like-minded peers is just as rewarding. Whether or not you reach the final rounds, the experience itself leaves a lasting impact.
