Special Thx
feedback
I had students complete feedback forms for their AP exam. I asked how they felt about the exam, did they struggle with time, did review sessions help, how did they personally prepare, and then asked for suggestions.
Several students admitted that they did not prepare as they should have. I expected this.
The suggestions didn’t exactly surprise me as much as it irritated me. I will admit that I did not move fast enough at the beginning of the year and allowed the students to dictate class speed instead of forcing them forward. However, let me address a few suggestions that I struggle with.
You should provide a topic list for every chapter/topic
You chose to attend a school that focuses on rigor. You chose to take an AP class. I feel that that is also making the choice to be self motivated and self accountable. BTW, if you check your syllabus there is a list of topics for each section and many questions for thought.
You should make the online lecture powerpoints mandatory
I provide links to MANY resources. The lectures you reference take less than 30 minutes to complete. You know they are helpful. You know I use them as a guide and foundation for my instruction. Hmmm. Take the initiative and make use.
You should give more quizzes so we will read more.
Why? You should be motivated enough to read without me taking class time to give you a quiz that you are going to struggle with b/c you haven’t read.
I have no problem with the suggestions that addressed MY faults. I take issue with the suggestions addressing personal laziness and shifting blame to me.
2 Responses to feedback
Flair
Sigh. I was holding out hope that your AP kids wouldn’t need their hands held that bad.
I love the quiz one. That’s so fabulous. I always tell my kids “Read, and I won’t give you quizzes. Don’t, and they’re fair game. Don’t make me treat you like freshman.”
Apparently they all want to be freshmen.
Annie’s last blog post..Summer breakin’
It is difficult for me to keep perspective. I also have several wonderfully self-motivated individuals that make my frustration with the others worth it. Those who gave the above suggestions will be the same students who give their profs fits and make them wonder how they ever made it out of high school. Regardless of the frustration it is still better than teaching in traditional schools.
kontan’s last blog post..Entering the backstretch