BROOKLYNN COLLINS
SPORTS EDITOR
Students all over America are enrolled in AP classes. These classes cover many different subjects and are often taught in a college-like atmosphere. Studying and completing assignments in these classes can seem difficult and at times impossible, but with the right strategies and time management you can change the impossible to possible.
AP teacher Leslie Jones has been teaching AP classes for going on five years now. Along the way, she has learned what helps students succeed and what are common problems AP students have when it comes to AP testing and the class in general.
One of the most common difficulties that comes with AP classes is there is a huge workload and students usually have inadequate time management skills. According to Jones, “Common issues student overcome include over analyzing, needing to build vocabulary and vocabulary skills, and needing strategies to understand complex texts and actually making these strategies basic instinct.”
Studying is always something students tend to procrastinate, or just don’t do it at all. If one wants to get ahead in class, studying and doing homework is essential. Practice always makes perfect and that applies to everything in life, including AP classes. For study tips Jones recommends, “Firstly, learn and practice using format of the exam. Secondly, go through practice exams; note questions missed and what the questions are asking (doing this process allows students to be aware of concepts that need mastery and they can study those concepts). Also, know content vocabulary and ‘everyday’ vocabulary.” For help with vocabulary, Jones suggests writing down unknown words and finding out the definition of the words. For ways to practice understanding unknown words Jones suggests, “My courses create personal dictionaries of their own unknown words and phrases, define them, and then they must apply them in certain tasks.”
Taking exams can be very stressful. This can cause students to feel anxious and unsure about their work. Building confidence in oneself and believing in one’s intelligence can help subside these worries. Jones knows all too well the problems that comes with test taking anxiety and some test scores can prove it. To subside these worries, Jones suggests, “Don’t dwell on multiple choice answers, mark it and come back if it’s a timed exam. With essays, plan first! This relieves so much pressure and actually saves time.” With these tips and suggestions, you can become an exceptional AP student and pass AP exams with ease.
1. Learn and practice using format of the exam.
2. Go through practice exams; note questions missed and what the questions are asking (doing this process allows students to be aware of concepts that need mastery and they can study those concepts).
3. Know content vocabulary and ‘everyday’ vocabulary.
4. Don’t dwell on multiple choice answers, mark it and come back if it’s a timed exam. With essays, plan first! This relieves so much pressure and actually saves time.
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