Notes

My role as an AP Biology student will differ from my previous experiences as a student in that I will have to reach conclusions by analyzing data, understanding concepts, and discussing with my peers. In previous years I would simply accept information and statements given to me by a textbook. Class discussions will be integral in attaining the higher understanding that will be required this year, as my peers will have different interpretations of the data, allowing me to see viewpoints that I would not have previously considered.

[email protected] I like your point about balancing independent learning and group learning to learn the material as efficiently as possible. Learning by discussing things as a group will quickly weed out misunderstandings. Also it will open new avenues for questions and topics that may not be touched on in the textbook but deepen our overall understanding of Biology. Independent study is also needed though to save time in class by not having to spend time on surface level questions. Both modes of studying have to be used so we can learn material in the most thorough and effecient way possible.

As a student taking AP Biology, my role will change as I will learn to be more self sufficient and go beyond the so-called "cookie cutter thinking". In previous years I would approach new concepts with the mindset of studying only what was on the upcoming tests. Instead of analyzing what we were doing in class and applying it outside of the classroom, I would stick to the examples in the textbook, hoping to master it for the assessments. In contrast, this course will push me to utilize the class discussions to better my understanding.