At the end of the year, I always try to take some time to get a bit of feedback from my classes on their reaction to the course. Instead of having my AP kids do this in an informal, open discussion or through a course evaluation form, I decided to ask them what they would post as a hypothetical blog in regards to this class. I told them, "Give me the good, the bad and the ugly!" (Either my students are still fishing for good grades, or they are genuinely great kids who have a heart for learning, as you'll see in some of their posts below.)
So many teachers, like myself, wonder if what they are doing is actually effective, actually worth it. And although I have many moments when I'm discouraged by students who refuse to learn or put up a fight, I must remember that many of them do get it. So this post is really to encourage every teacher who has those moments of questioning; don't forget that many lives are being impacted by our work!
"The best part of AP is our intense discussions. We all bring our desks together and grapple with the content of each literary work...I felt very prepared for the AP exam. I was very confident after completing the multiple choice."-JT
"Although not an easy class, this AP class has challenged me in many ways. Books such as, Brave New World, Crime and Punishment, and Macbeth have opened my eyes to new and complex literature and have allowed me to analyze major characters and themes. I have been encourage to take on 'more difficult' works of literature and to dissect the worldviews and opinions of the author." -LM
"Some subjects come alive through the medium of a teacher and when the teacher thoroughly enjoys the subject it becomes a joy to learn. Although I do not always love the subject or literary work, I always come aways with a sense of appreciation." -ME
"The best thing about AP has to be the breakfast every Thursday morning!" -MM
""Poetry even proved to be interesting as we investigated a poem both individually and then as a class. A sense of self-satisfaction came with that, as well as the same passion felt by the teacher." -HM
"AP English has helped me become a better reader and writer. I have enjoyed our group discussions and hearing everyone's views...I have learned so many things that will apply to the rest of my life." -KP
"AP English- hardest class ever, but totally worth every second of hard work...Everyone's opinion was heard and everyone had a different take. AP English is a fantastic class that teachers us about people and world views and keeps us hungry to learn more." -AM
I just have to add that while these comments came only from my 12th grade students in AP, my other English 12 class is an absolute delight, and I'm going to miss ALL of them terribly when they're gone next year! One of the most affirming & encouraging classes I've ever taught.
ReplyDeleteI agree that end of the year feedback is critical, especially when preparing to teach the same course again. I like the responses, as they can shape activities I create.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful that you got such positive feedback from your students. It is hard as a teacher to know after one year you send them on their way, because you do develop relationships. Some of them can become life-long relationships though. My daughter was just back visiting from Africa and one of the people she had to visit was her 4th grade teacher!
ReplyDeleteThese are such powerful and meaningful responses, that must make all the sweat and tears worth every second!
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