#APTeach Archive

#APTeach is an education chat for all teachers, administrators, and folks in support roles of Advanced Placement.

Wednesday November 7, 2018
9:00 PM EST

  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:00 PM EST
    Welcome to the November edition of #APTeach! We are excited to talk about the balance between rigor and relationships tonight. #APTeach lets go!
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:02 PM EST
    Please introduce yourself, where you are from, and tell us about your role in AP... #APTeach
  • DonnaKrause3 Nov 7 @ 9:03 PM EST
    Donna from Ramona high school, riverside California. Teach ap euro #APTeach
  • Hatch_2116 Nov 7 @ 9:04 PM EST
    Greetings everyone! John Hatch from Garland ISD in Texas. I’m the social studies coordinator #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:04 PM EST
    AKA the best job in the world!!!! Welcome John thanks for being here! #APTeach
    In reply to @Hatch_2116
  • JMLuethge Nov 7 @ 9:04 PM EST
    #APTeach
    • JMLuethge Nov 7 @ 9:03 PM EST
      Jane Luethge-AP Coordinator-Omaha,NE! CB Midwestern Regional Council-Academic Assemly. Hello 👋
      In reply to @AndrewSharosAP
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:04 PM EST
    The most loyal follower of all #APTeach nation! Welcome Donna!
    In reply to @DonnaKrause3
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:05 PM EST
    We will use the traditional Q1:A1 format tonight like always. Please use #APTeach in your response and respond to as many of our #APTeach friends as you would like!
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:05 PM EST
    My name is Andrew Sharos, former APUSH teacher, author of @All4sand5s and moderator of #APTeach chat running the first Wednesday of every month at 8PM CST. Welcome one and all! #APTeach
  • AmyEckart01 Nov 7 @ 9:05 PM EST
    Amy from SD. I teach 5 sections of AP Lang. This year. #apteach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:06 PM EST
    Question 1 is coming right up gang! #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:06 PM EST
    Welcome Amy and woof...you must spend a ton of time grading papers! #APTeach
    In reply to @AmyEckart01
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:07 PM EST
    Question 1: How do you build a rigorous AP culture in your class without contributing to student anxiety and stress? #APTeach
  • AmyEckart01 Nov 7 @ 9:07 PM EST
    😄 more than I'd like to at times. #APTeach
    In reply to @AndrewSharosAP
  • TrahansDragons Nov 7 @ 9:07 PM EST
    #APTeach My name is Megan Trahan. I teach AP Macro &Micro in Collierville, TN.
  • ButMsJohnson Nov 7 @ 9:07 PM EST
    Hola! Sam Johnson here from Garland ISD. I teach AP World History. First year! #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:08 PM EST
    Winner of furthest Northwest #APTeach member !
    • TheresaBuczek Nov 7 @ 9:05 PM EST
      Theresa Buczek from Richland, WA...teacher of APUSH
      In reply to @AndrewSharosAP
  • AmyEckart01 Nov 7 @ 9:09 PM EST
    A1: Most of our work is focused around learning and practice for learning with few grades. Students are not penalized for trying and learning. #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:09 PM EST
    #APTeach Q1
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:09 PM EST
    Always starts with relationships. Everything else comes after that right? #APTeach
    • Hatch_2116 Nov 7 @ 9:08 PM EST
      A1: start with building positive relationships
  • PsyHistSCHS Nov 7 @ 9:09 PM EST
    A1: I set my class up as close to what a real college class is like as possible. I don't give "busy work" but focus on creating stamina and deep thought processing throughout the course, rather than overloading with a lot of homework. #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:11 PM EST
    A1: Rigor is something all our classes need, AP or not. Its important to convey high expectations for students. According to this research, teachers sharing materials and teacher expectations of achievement move the needle the most. https://t.co/lBxfavGNGa #APTeach
  • ButMsJohnson Nov 7 @ 9:11 PM EST
    Q1: A1 for my classroom I think it all comes down to buy in. My students know the work I’m giving them has a purpose and they know their end goal. Once you have the buy in, the students are willing to work at a higher rigor. #APTeach
  • tackulator Nov 7 @ 9:11 PM EST
    A1: Provide support for the rigor but keep the standards high. #apteach
  • AmyEckart01 Nov 7 @ 9:11 PM EST
    Students are submitting personal narratives next week. I limited them to 1000 words, but with 121 to read, it's going to be a lot. #APTeach
    In reply to @JMLuethge
  • ButMsJohnson Nov 7 @ 9:12 PM EST
    Q1:A2 Id also like to add that my students know that I’m on their team. I’m only there to help them along the path. Not beat them down with extraneous work. #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:13 PM EST
    Question 2 is coming right up... #APTeach
  • TrahansDragons Nov 7 @ 9:13 PM EST
    A1: The relationships between the teacher and the student are important in developing rigor. My belief is that the rigor should be developed through the expectations of the teacher. When you combine the positive relationship with the expectation, your rigor will grow. #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:14 PM EST
    Question 2: Where do teachers go wrong when they are attempting to create "rigor" in their AP class? #APTeach
  • AmyEckart01 Nov 7 @ 9:14 PM EST
    Most of the work is done in class. We practice a few times and then I take a grade. If you don't do the practice, your grade might suffer. #APTeach
    In reply to @DonnaKrause3
  • TheresaBuczek Nov 7 @ 9:14 PM EST
    A1- Get to know students, take time to help them, & HW is given at the beginning of the unit so they plan out their study time around their schedules. #APTeach
    In reply to @AndrewSharosAP
  • AmyEckart01 Nov 7 @ 9:15 PM EST
    A2: More work doesn't equal more rigor. To me, rigor is pushing them to think harder and with more depth. #APTeach
  • ButMsJohnson Nov 7 @ 9:15 PM EST
    Q2:A1 I feel like teachers don’t make their expectations 100% clear from the get go. I feel like there’s a lot of beating around the bush at the beginning of the year so students become complacent. #APTeach
  • DonnaKrause3 Nov 7 @ 9:16 PM EST
    Q2 no second chances. No late work accepted, students struggle and learn they need support not punishment #APTeach
  • tackulator Nov 7 @ 9:16 PM EST
    A2: They believe more work ='s more rigor. Also you have to remember yours is not the only class they are taking. #apteach
  • TrahansDragons Nov 7 @ 9:16 PM EST
    A2: The misconception is that rigor means you need to assign lots and lots of work. Rigor comes from the expectation of the quality of work you want to receive from your students. If I assign you work, there is a definite purpose behind it...no "busy" work. #APTeach
  • AmyEckart01 Nov 7 @ 9:16 PM EST
    I have already conference while in progress, but hard to devote another 3 days to conferencing at the end. I'll score at school. They just won't get back right away. #APTeach
    In reply to @AndrewSharosAP, @JMLuethge
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:17 PM EST
    A2: Rigor has to have a purpose. When assigning homework, ask yourself why? Don't create a difficult experience for kids just to advertise that its "tough." Create rigor through relevant learning tasks and activities #APTeach
  • Hatch_2116 Nov 7 @ 9:17 PM EST
    A2: it’s easy to think more work = more rigorous work #APTeach
  • PsyHistSCHS Nov 7 @ 9:17 PM EST
    I would say in my experience as an AP student, and now an AP teacher, it's the amount of work given, hands down. AP doesn't mean MORE work, it means DEEPER work. It's struggling with content beyond surface level and looks at the why's and how's, not just what's. #APTeach
  • PsyHistSCHS Nov 7 @ 9:19 PM EST
    For got A2 when answering this #APTeach question
  • Hatch_2116 Nov 7 @ 9:19 PM EST
    Yes! It should be about the depth! #APTeach
    In reply to @PsyHistSCHS
  • SargentChem Nov 7 @ 9:19 PM EST
    Heather from Branson, MO teaching my 2nd year of AP Chem at Reeds Spring High School #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:19 PM EST
    Well said. #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:20 PM EST
    Question 3 coming right up... #APTeach
  • Hatch_2116 Nov 7 @ 9:20 PM EST
    Absolutely not true. #APTeach
    In reply to @AndrewSharosAP
  • history_hoffman Nov 7 @ 9:20 PM EST
    Kirstyn from South Florida! I teach APUSH and AP COGO 😊 #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:21 PM EST
    Question 3: How can we leverage relationships with students in order to increase the rigor and pace of the class? #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:21 PM EST
    Welcome Hoff! So glad to have you back! #APTeach
    In reply to @history_hoffman
  • ButMsJohnson Nov 7 @ 9:23 PM EST
    Q3:A1 I think it all goes back to being on the same team as your students and the students KNOWING you’re on their side. My students know I will do everything in my power to make them as prepared as possible for that test. #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:23 PM EST
    Love the "We" and "Us" Culture of your answer. Its all of us vs. the test. #APTeach
    In reply to @ButMsJohnson
  • Hatch_2116 Nov 7 @ 9:23 PM EST
    A3: I know we’ve already said it, but they have to trust us to lead them. We have to build that trust from the beginning. #APTeach
  • AmyEckart01 Nov 7 @ 9:23 PM EST
    A3: I have spent a fair amount of time building a positive classroom environment built on learning to get students to trust me. I tell them if they are willing to join me in the learning, I can get them were they need to be by May. #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:24 PM EST
    A3: Relationships are EVERYTHING! The great "secret" to teaching is, "how can I get the students to do what I want them to do?" The answer is staring you in the face x30 every period. Win the relationships first, then accomplish the goals second. #APTeach
  • tackulator Nov 7 @ 9:24 PM EST
    A3: Care about them as people first and foremost, be passionate about your subject. They will accept the rigor and the pace. #apteach
  • PsyHistSCHS Nov 7 @ 9:24 PM EST
    A3: Ss perform based off the expectations we set. Low expectations = low performance. High expectations = high performance. We need to be their "balcony people", always supporting them and pushing them to do better. Show them failure is OKAY and how to learn from it! #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:24 PM EST
    Agree. It seems like the rigor and the challenge are more palatable once the relationship is built. #APTeach
    In reply to @tackulator
  • tackulator Nov 7 @ 9:26 PM EST
    I am fortunate to be able to teach them for 2 classes prior to AP. The rigor of my class is a shock to freshmen. #apteach
    In reply to @AndrewSharosAP
  • PsyHistSCHS Nov 7 @ 9:26 PM EST
    I always offer tutorials to help them succeed, letting them know that I am there for them not just academically, but also as a sounding board if they need. When Ss know we care about their whole being, they will push themselves to work harder since they don't feel alone. #APTeach
  • TrahansDragons Nov 7 @ 9:26 PM EST
    A3: Students are more inclined to attempt and complete things when they feel the teacher is in it with them. I have always felt the relationship is the most important part of teaching. If there is a positive relationship, the students will try what you ask of them. #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:27 PM EST
    Question 4 is coming right up.... #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:27 PM EST
    Some students DO the work simply because they are DOING it for you. And that's not a bad thing right? #APTeach
    In reply to @TrahansDragons
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:28 PM EST
    Question 4: Which do you prioritize as an educator trying to build relationships: Your relationships with individual students or the whole class culture that is curated by the teacher and students? Why? #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:28 PM EST
    Q4 #APTeach
    • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:28 PM EST
      Question 4: Which do you prioritize as an educator trying to build relationships: Your relationships with individual students or the whole class culture that is curated by the teacher and students? Why? #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:29 PM EST
    Stick with me to the end tonight folks. I want ideas for next months chat! #APTeach
  • ButMsJohnson Nov 7 @ 9:29 PM EST
    Q4:A1 it definitely can be a bad thing. If the student don’t see the true purpose of the assignment and see that it’s meant to strengthen their knowledge and prepare them for that end game, then they might as well have not done the assignment at all. #APTeach
  • MsSLNorth Nov 7 @ 9:30 PM EST
    Sliding in late, Shari from North Texas, AP Human Geography #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:30 PM EST
    Never late. Always welcome Shari! #APTeach
    In reply to @MsSLNorth
  • All4sand5s Nov 7 @ 9:31 PM EST
    #APTeach q4
    • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:28 PM EST
      Question 4: Which do you prioritize as an educator trying to build relationships: Your relationships with individual students or the whole class culture that is curated by the teacher and students? Why? #APTeach
  • PsyHistSCHS Nov 7 @ 9:31 PM EST
    A4: I start with whole class, since at the beginning of the year, we're all trying to learn about each other. I like to think I do what Miss Frizzle does, creating a class environment where Ss are willing to "take chances, get messy, and make mistakes." #APTeach
    • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:28 PM EST
      Question 4: Which do you prioritize as an educator trying to build relationships: Your relationships with individual students or the whole class culture that is curated by the teacher and students? Why? #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:32 PM EST
    A4: Chicken or egg. I think I start with the class as a whole. Once the class starts buying into the system and the teacher, we can start to work on each student individually. #APTeach
  • MsSLNorth Nov 7 @ 9:32 PM EST
    A4: Whole group, class climate/culture comes first and the individual relationships are cultivated along the way. Why? Because the team mentality usually helps foster the one on one. #APTeach
  • Hatch_2116 Nov 7 @ 9:32 PM EST
    A4: i ran into my kindergarten teacher a few years ago at the bank. She said, “Well, John Hatch, I’m so glad to see you! How have you been” Focus on individuals and the class culture will follow. #APTeach
  • TrahansDragons Nov 7 @ 9:32 PM EST
    A4: It starts with the relationship with the whole class. On the first day of class, I tell them that I will be their favorite teacher and this will be their favorite class. Once I've "proven" myself, I extend the relationship to the individual students. Never fails. #APTeach
  • ButMsJohnson Nov 7 @ 9:32 PM EST
    Q4:A1 You could have an amazing relationship with each one of your students individually but if you don’t have the class bonded as a whole, everything could crumble #APTeach
  • tackulator Nov 7 @ 9:33 PM EST
    A4: Whole group first then individuals. Never thought about it before though. #apteach
  • history_hoffman Nov 7 @ 9:34 PM EST
    A1: You build relationships with your kids and explain the workload and make sure you’re available if they have questions/concerns. I use Remind, Twitter, and Canvas #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:34 PM EST
    Question 5 coming right up... #APTeach
  • MsSLNorth Nov 7 @ 9:34 PM EST
    A3: Students are more likely to take a journey with someone they trust, so relationships make taking risks a whole lot easier—especially once they realize we’re all on the same side—theirs! #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:34 PM EST
    SO SO SO True. #APTeach
    • ButMsJohnson Nov 7 @ 9:32 PM EST
      Q4:A1 You could have an amazing relationship with each one of your students individually but if you don’t have the class bonded as a whole, everything could crumble #APTeach
  • Hatch_2116 Nov 7 @ 9:34 PM EST
    Agree. Maybe she started with the class culture, though. That makes sense to me. #APTeach
    In reply to @AndrewSharosAP
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:35 PM EST
    Question 5: Are building relationships and creating rigor at the same time more difficult in an AP class? Why or why not? #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:35 PM EST
    Q5 #APTeach
  • MLCHS_Ruddy Nov 7 @ 9:36 PM EST
    A4 I try to build a culture of being in this together and that as a class they will need to rely on each other to help find success! Their relationships as a collective from the beginning then build with students as we go as we learn about each other #APTeach
  • All4sand5s Nov 7 @ 9:36 PM EST
    #APTeach Q5
  • ButMsJohnson Nov 7 @ 9:36 PM EST
    Q5:A1 it doesn’t have to be more difficult. Establishing those high expectations 100% feed into the culture. High expectations with no student support will be failed expectations. #APTeach
  • DonnaKrause3 Nov 7 @ 9:37 PM EST
    Sometimesit is harder. Students are competing for GPA. Our school is getting rid of it soon but many want to be number one and right. I work on culture but this can get in the way #APTeach
  • TrahansDragons Nov 7 @ 9:38 PM EST
    A5: I don't think so because I believe they are cut from the same cloth...at least for me they are. As I provide these lessons that seem difficult, I am reiterating the whole time how I believe they can do this. Both grow at the same time. #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:38 PM EST
    #APTeach
    • PsyHistSCHS Nov 7 @ 9:38 PM EST
      A5: I don't feel it's any harder than a non-AP class. I think the only key difference is that AP Ss generally already know the value of the course, they need to know the value that Ts place in them.
  • tackulator Nov 7 @ 9:38 PM EST
    A5: Rigor is tough whenever it is 1st encountered & also depends on how many places they are encountering it. #apteach
  • history_hoffman Nov 7 @ 9:39 PM EST
    A2: Teachers who fail to remember that they’re not the only AP class a student has can create issues. We can create rigor without overdoing stress in their kids #APTeach
  • MLCHS_Ruddy Nov 7 @ 9:40 PM EST
    A5 it can be. As you try to challenge students out of their comfortable place, even those you have a good relationship with can just see you as “hard” #APTeach
  • MsSLNorth Nov 7 @ 9:40 PM EST
    A5: OMG, yes!!! It’s so hard for students not to take failure and criticism personally—especially if it’s their first AP class and they’ve ALWAYS made straight As. They HATE me right now, but I know high expectations are what they need—& I know most will come around. #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:42 PM EST
    Question 6: Students are just hitting their first major "wall" in AP. How do you help them push through this wall and continue on the their AP journey with you and their classmates? #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:42 PM EST
    Question 6, the final question, is coming right up... #APTeach
  • MLCHS_Ruddy Nov 7 @ 9:43 PM EST
    A5/2 it is easy for us to see growth through the rigor but freshmen esp. can lose sight of the growth because of rigor . This is why we never stop trying to build good relationships #APTeach
  • tackulator Nov 7 @ 9:43 PM EST
    A6: Often hearing from another student about how they overcame the same struggles helps a kid more than anything I can say. #apteach
  • DonnaKrause3 Nov 7 @ 9:43 PM EST
    Struggling with that one right now. Available, remind, support #APTeach
  • SargentChem Nov 7 @ 9:44 PM EST
    I do some of both, whole class culture is definitely important! However, I naturally (as an introvert) gravitate toward one-on-one or small group interactions to build relationships. That is where I feel like I can do my best relationship building #APTeach
    • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:28 PM EST
      Question 4: Which do you prioritize as an educator trying to build relationships: Your relationships with individual students or the whole class culture that is curated by the teacher and students? Why? #APTeach
  • AndrewSharosAP - Moderator Nov 7 @ 9:45 PM EST
    A6: How about a day off? Give them a day to work on their homework? Let them do some test corrections? Watch a movie clip on topic? It is important to keep them fresh, like a "bye" week in the NFL :) #APTeach