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physics 11 year-end review

Out of frustration with the results of my practice final, I'm putting this one out there:

Currently my year-end review looks like this. By the time we've finished our last unit test, we have about a week (5 or 6 classes) for review. For 3 classes I spend about 1/3 of the class doing a mini-tutorial, highlighting the main concepts for each unit, with accompanying notes that I give the students. Afterwards, students work on review worksheets on the units, the keys for which I post so the kids can check their work as they go. I spend that time helping kids out 1 on 1. On the second to last class I give the kids the written portion of an old exam to practice, and on the last day we go over it together. I just finished marking them and the results are a disaster (yet again, I'm afraid). I predict similar results on the final on Monday. The test is quite fair, but the kids continue to struggle. Unit test marks average around 75%, but the practice exam mark is close to 60%.

Obviously my method of review is not working. Any suggestions of things that work for you? I hope to implement changes for next semester's classes. Thanks.

Alf Penner

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Stephen Fuerderer on January 20, 2012 at 12:33am

Hi Alf,

I teach in a linear system, assume you are semestered. Anyways, it is important for kids to be reviewing all year long and by that I mean looking at AP level questions throughout the year...not just at the end of the year. In addition to my regular notes and lessons/activities I try to include sample AP questions on the same topic. I try to provide them with at least one or two multiple choice sample exams (first one will be given to them next week) and they can start to work on them in their free time. My year end review is usually the last 2-3 classes, I spend going over the material from physics 11 that they've forgotten (optics, diffraction, etc). Call me anytime in the evening if you wish to discuss other strategies. I am in the white pages or email me directly and I'll send you my phone number. Cheers.

Permalink Reply by Alf Penner on January 24, 2012 at 5:44pm