Suggestions for Test Preparation:

Biology / AP Biology

Test are used to determine mastery of course content. In  biology the test have the greatest impact on your average; emphasis on worksheets and homework is minimal. Low test scores, reflect poor comprehension of the material; which is often the result of several errors. Below are suggestions to assist you in improving your test performance and thus your overall average.

• Study your notes on a nightly basis. Attempting to cram the vast amount of information into your brain on the night before the test is the best road to failure. "I studied all night"... a very poor strategy. Cramming during the five minutes prior to the test is an act of desperation. In addition; sleep is critical for success on test. I suggest reading this article before you attempt all night study sessions. Teens and Sleep

• Reviewing your notes on a nightly basis allows you to reflect on sections that you poorly understand.  This gives you the opportunity to ask questions the following day.

• Note taking skills are essential. You may know the material in your notes; however, are your notes complete?

• Initially,  you should copy everything said in class, including information involving exchanges between the teacher and individual students. With time you will learn your teacher and be better able to sort out the irrelevant conversations. Of course, if you are not sure you can always ask.

• Compare notes with other students... share notes with other students... study the notes with other students. Be a learning team.

• For most major test there are numerous resource documents which can be downloaded from this web-site; for both General Biology and AP Biology. They can be excellent study guides.

• The book is a valuable resource... I bet you told mom "but he doesn't use the book" didn't you! Of course what I teach is in the book. Use the Table of Contents or Index to get clarification on sections in your notes that seem confusing. My test are based on the lecture; however, my lectures are based on the book. The Campbell text (AP Biology), along with numerous resources is available on line. The Glenco Text (General Biology), along with numerous resources is available on line.

• Do not be a "wall flower".  If at any moment in class you are confused... speak out!  Silence is assumed understanding. Do not be intimidated to speak out; if you are lost, likely others are as well.

• I am willing to provide after school assistance; however, I have no intention of providing  private lessons. Come in with specific questions you need answered and I will do everything in my power to assist you in mastering the concept. If I ask the question, "what do you not understand?", and your response is "none of it", then there is a high probability that the honors version of Biology may not be your best choice .

• The school does offer peer tutoring, if all else fails.

The test can be very challenging.  Success is possible, do not kid yourself... everyone is not failing. The standards are high and will remain so, the test will not suddenly become easier; nor, will I be overcome with compassion and provide everyone with the much desired curve. Self-esteem is built through over-coming challenges. Consider this a challenge. When you do see improvement in your grades, you truly have a reason to be proud. 

                                                                       Keep the faith!   

I found this article published in TIME of interest - regarding the role of the parent in college level courses.  The Case Against Over - Parenting.  A quote from the article "... there are no reports of a child ever being poisoned by a stranger handing out tainted Halloween candy."

If the aforementioned article invoked an emotional response - then this more current view on parenting "Tiger Mothers", should generate even more discussion.  A quote from the article  "Chinese parents can order their kids to get straight As. Western parents can only ask their kids to try their best. Chinese parents can say, "You're lazy. All your classmates are getting ahead of you." By contrast, Western parents have to struggle with their own conflicted feelings about achievement, and try to persuade themselves that they're not disappointed about how their kids turned out."

Being the parent of a child who clawed her way through the rigors of Croatan AP courses (If you think this is hard - wait until they hit Calculus!); I found many of the concerns addressed in both articles painfully applicable.  It is not (despite such accusation) an attempt to silence anyone's option to criticize or deny the right to challenge my approach - as if that was ever an option!!!