Reply to AP Seminar & AP Research

Forum Index » Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)

Reply to "AP Seminar & AP Research"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous]We're in FCPS and I am amazed at what DC is learning.

AP Seminar in 11th. 
For the first half of the year, they worked in a Team of 4 students. 
Learned to identify a problem, do research, and look at an issue from different lenses.
1st  quarter, they worked on one problem, and did a presentation. This was the "practice run."
2nd quarter, they worked on another problem by doing the same procedures. Did a presentation which was recorded and submitted to the college board as part of their portfolio.

The kids also had to assess how well they worked in a team. This was amazing to see. Since they were rehearsing their presentations virtually (late at night!), it was fun to see how DC interacted. It was such a supportive group and they were all open to each other's feedback.

The second half of the year, it was individual projects. 
3rd quarter, same procedure but you worked alone on your own topic, and then had others critique your work.  Did the practice presentation at the end.
4th quarter, same procedure, individual presentation at the end which was recorded and submitted to the college board.

DC made an A in the class and a 4 on AP exam (which was a combination of the year's portfolio and a 3-hour test)

AP Seminar in 12th.
Individual projects with one topic which will be the focus for the entire year. 
1st quarter- identify interests, do research, formulating the research question, go through internal review
2nd quarter- further research, develop method for data collection
3rd quarter- collect data, analyze 
4th quarter- write complete paper, defend presentation in front of a board.

DC loves this program. What DC is doing in 12th grade is very similar to what I did in college. 
DC says class isn't hard, but it's a lot of work. DC has 5 other AP classes and this one is the most time-consuming.

I'd say of all DC's classes, THIS is the one that best prepares for college and future work. 
I'd recommend hold out till 11th and 12th grade for the sequence. 
Less than half of the ones who took AP Seminar went to AP research. Takes maturity, perseverance, and genuine interest to really make the most of this program.

The great thing is that DC will have a tangible product after this year-long class: a completed research paper. 
Some kids go on and try to get their papers published. [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics