Success in Apush

Om Umare

DBQ

APUSH

9/11/2016

History is a hard subject to learn and to teach because there is no right or wrong answer. There is no certain answer to the questions asked by the curiosity of the brain. Thus, there is no set way to be successful in learning history, however, there is an antidote of the survivors and successors of a history class known as AP U.S history (APHUSH). These anecdotes are key for the newcomers of the class because one's experience can teach others about the ways to approach the class with confidence. It gives advice on the do's and doesn't and most of all it gives the motivation to achieve success in the class and not to fear failure. Despite the rumors and the talk of APUSH being another part of Lucifer's dungeon, in reality, it is a class full of opportunity to learn and grow. Through the anecdotes gave by the survivors of APUSH 3 keys were found for their success in APUSH. First Preparation, one has to prepare themselves to be ready for the material that is being taught in the class, this preparation cannot be done without, second, taking the charge of themselves and their learning. Finally, repetition of learning can even make an F to an A, retaking and relearning helps a brain to retain the information.

         Preparing for APUSH is the first step towards taking the full advantage of the learning and the teaching of Mr. Battersby. Preparation for any class works as a tool of efficiency because any minute one saves can be put into learning more, thus saving time in the long run. According to Document M, "The single greatest piece of advice I can give you is to prepare for class. Wonderkid or not." Preparation is for everyone, does not matter if you are smartest or the dumbest. Document M is written by someone who has been to national championship quiz bowl championship for history. So he is the wonder kid, however, even he has to prepare and understand the material. Preparation is a tool which is needed to be successful in APUSH due to its high volume of information which will be taught throughout the course. If one does not prepare for even one day they will be left behind and the gap of learning just keeps on increasing. So preparation keeps one up to par with material that was taught, being taught and will be taught, a crucial key to be successful in this class. However, not all success story believe that preparation is necessary rather the author of document P believes in his method of "winging." His antidote is based up preparing very little only "15-30 minutes on a good night," he believes that one should do a little preparation, just enough to enter a discussion, then just go with the flow of information and one will learn that way. Both anecdotes are the true end of the spectrum of little to lot preparation. Which shows that any method one chooses should work for them, not everyone is the same and everyone learns in different ways. Some prepare by reading the textbook while others use videos, no matter how you prepare it should be able to help you achieve success in your class. Nevertheless, everyone should take charge of their learning through making sure that all the work is done to bets of the ability and making sure it gives a stepping stone towards success in the class.

         Taking charge of your learning is a crucial point to be successful in this class due to the high learning load, such as learning facts, concepts, and essays. Taking charge of oneself’ s learning also helps to grasp the concept taught in class and retain it better and more efficiently. So do not be that kid who just sits in the class and daydreams, because every minute wasted is going to take you farther and farther from the 5 on the AP exam. To Take charge in the class one must participate in the discussion, do the homework that is required for them to do. Smarter kids take the leaning away from you, because you do not have the confidence to speak up and contribute, after all, you are paying a lot of money to be at Culver. So have "the ability to overcome insecurities and contribute," thus increasing your ability to learn and grasp big concepts (Document E). It is important to understand that having the confidence to discuss and share ideas is a critical way of learning and growing in this class. One has to take charge of himself to be able to take charge of the discussion or his growth in the class. It is up to the person to choose if he or she wants to grow or to stay static. Learn the facts before the class, do not do the homework the night of it is due, be in charge of the learning and work that is given to you. Mr. Battersby publishes the work of the whole week in advance, so it is now the responsibility of the student to manage their time and get the work done. "Just get it done. When something is due, don't wait until the last minute because it won't be satisfactory and Battersby only accepts your best efforts" (Document Q). Document Q serves as an important point of view in the class because she was the stereotypical girl who "had heard horror stories of students who have previously taken the course," however, she survived and was successful due to her ability to take charge of her learning. In addition to these anecdotes, it would have been useful if the notebooks in which these individuals took notes could be provided due to its high value in reflecting the day to day participation in the class or out of the class. This new evidence could help give more in depth information and support that an individual who takes charge of their learning is much more successful than the one who did not.