1. What's the best part of this AP course? Speaking positively, give a few group hugs about AP Gov.
2. What's the problem with AP Gov? What roadblocks exist for your education and what things irritate you. In addition, how can these problems be remedied?
3. What do I want to know during the last 2/3rds of the course? Is this course meeting your expectations? How can the class change to better help you be a success?
Thanks for the input. Although I may come off as a sarcastic person at times, I do use criticisms and suggestions to get better---or at least I try!
Drew Holtzapple Period 4
ReplyDelete1. I like the way that we learn government, taking notes with humorous references and jokes included. I also like the course's difficulty, it is challenging to ace the tests, but not too hard to get a decent grade. Also the outline packets are a great way to learn the key info about each chapter.
2. One problem is that the tests fluxuate in difficulty. Some of them are very easy, and some of them get rather tricky. I guess that's not really that bad though. My only annoyance with this class is that when the tests are out, people are still really noisy and that agitates me a lot. You need to make them be quiet better.
3. I would like to learn about other countries governments more in-depth than in world cultures. This course definitely meets my expectations: quality content, with quality presentation. Doesn't need to change at all. Just need people to be quiet during test time.
Khan, Pd. 4
ReplyDelete1. Well, honestly, not to kiss @$$ or anything, but I actually say that this is one of my favorite classes. On the other hand, I have Wagman for other classes…. I like that we talk about other topics rather than just government. Having time to talk about random things that somehow relate to our lesson, actually helps me learn. And adding humor to such a DRY subject, actually makes AP government fun!
2. Well I can never really stay focused in class since its at the end of the day and I come from Wagman’s. I also think we should have other graded things to turn in for more points since the tests are rather difficult. Other than that, I have nothing to say.
3. I’d like a better understanding of our government and the reasoning behind certain laws and amendments and how those came to be. I like the learning environment for government government class.
p.s: we don't have to comment others, do we???
Jamie, Period 4
ReplyDeleteI really like the fact that I'm getting a head start to some extent on college/ap corses. That's probably my favorite factor about this class. Yet, I also really like that the class isn't always boring but in the same sense we do a lot of the same things. That's a good thing though, that most of the time I know what to expect because it makes me feel confident and comfortable. The part about not being boring also makes the class comfortable, who wants to fall asleep in class all the time?
Sadly, I'm not the best at this class. I'm trying to figure out what works for me as far as studying goes. I've tried many different kinds of studying and I'm not sure I've found anything to work yet. Maybe I'll have to ask you about that! Haha. Anyhow, That's my only real complaint. I know that I'm putting in the effort, but when the tests come around I freeze. I read the chapter and study like a madman, but still manage to only get between 60's and 80's on the tests. I've tried so hard to get all A's this semester and yet this grade sadly stays and pretty much has been an 85 throughout the whole first marking period. I'll have to see if there's any type of other studying ways or if there's something else I can/should be doing to better prepare myself for this class. I think my problems with the class are my own problem, and fault. I'm not doing something right and until I figure out what exactly it is, I might be stuck at that mid B.
Hm, I'm wondering if there is any advise that you can give to me on how to better prepare myself for tests and just for future Ap classes. I read the chapter, and the notes and yet still my mind doesn't allow my to remember things as well as I'd like to. I mean, granted, I'm not good with any type of history to begin with, but still. Would making my own study guides or just taking much more time to restudy be helpful? Or, do you hold any type of study groups during fifth periods? The course is meeting my expectations. I knew that it would be tough, which it is, yet I also know that I can do it if I try my hardest. I'm giving it my all but I'm hoping to improve for the next report card. I'm trying to think if the class can do anything to change to help me. We get off topic sometimes, but I think that helps me to some extent, and makes me pay attention. No, I don't think there is anything. I believe that maybe if we held a study session one time or used a day to just individually study with ipods that way we'd all have more time (if there is time to do this anyway) to do all of the things in our study guide books, which really do help. Other than that, I don't believe there is anything.
I'm going to comment anyhow, I don't think we have to, but I'm going to do it just in case. haha.
--
Drew,
I agree with how we take notes. Actually, I like your whole answer to number 1, I'm pretty sure we said basically the same thing about how someitmes being off topic helps plus, the difficulty is almost perfect because it challenges us just enough.
Tahi,
I also think that turning in more things for grades might help a ton. But yet, then maybe it would get too easy because in college and such we don't have that. However, haha I agree and would love it if we had more grades.
Claire Bleecker, Period 1
ReplyDelete1. Through AP Gov, not only have I learned so much more about government, but I've learned so much more about pretty much everything through the very random discussions that we often have. So even though we're not being graded on the knowledge that I pick up in the many times nontopical conversations, I find it very useful.
2. I agree with all of the previous comments. The tests are strange, and often times it's harder for me to interpret the question than it is to figure out the answer. And like Tahi said, I think it would be nice to have other graded activities of some sort.
3. ...there's really nothing specific that I would like to learn about government in the remaining part of the course. Anything would be an improvement on my very minimal knowledge of the American government. Overall, the course does meet my expectations, if not exceeds them. I don't think the class needs to change other than what I already said.
St. Clair, Pd. 4
ReplyDelete1. I think the best part about the AP gov class is that when we learn new gov stuff, like when we take notes, it's more interesting than some other classes where we take notes. Pretty much because in most classes it's just facts and stuff, but with gov, there are many analogies and comparisons made while we learn the stuff, instead of just being boringly lectured to. I also like the blog, because it gives easy points.
2. I know I'm not the only one to think that the tests are fishy, what with the wording of questions and everything. I don't think it's that big of a deal, though, so I don't really have any big complaints about the class.
3. I think the course is fine the way it is. People say they want more grades and stuff, but I don't really. I much prefer taking test and writing essays to doing projects. I think grades should be based on assessments of how much of the material we know, and that should be assessed through tests.
1. I understand more about the way the government works, and everything isn't as easy as it seems it should be. I also like the funny conversations that come up.
ReplyDelete2. I don't really have a problem with AP Gov. The tests are worded a little weirdly. Government is boring. (no offense) But you make it really intresting. Government will never get un-boring, but you're class won't ever be boring.
3.I think that this course is meeting my expectations. I don't think it can really get any better.
Annelise, P.4
ReplyDelete1. Even though I'm not big on government (I usually end up stepping on people's toes and shoving my foot in my mouth), you made it pretty easy to understand. Also, I end up laughing at least once per period, so that makes everything good! (Though I laugh easily...)
2. As I said earlier, the class isn't really my favorite subject (hence why I took AP Euro instead of Gov last year), and if anyone else were teaching this class I'd probably fall asleep (give or take some). Also, your tests are very different from your lessons--the way they're worded are very book-like, but you teach lessons in layman's terms. This is probably what you intended (because we wouldn't understand anything if you didn't), but I think your tests need more ~sarcasm~!
...Even though that would be impossible. :|
3. This course is meeting my expectations! I can't think of anything that would make it better.
Posting with one hand, wolfing down a Meat Lover's P'Zone with the other:
ReplyDeleteThe course is great, because you, Hoover, take a boring subject and through some miracle (whatever deity is involved) make it interesting, relevant, and fun. A recipe for success. Since I have you 4th, it's just a great way to end the day. Dare I say I prefer note-taking over worksheet filling-out.
I'm with the majority on this one, some of the tests are brutal. Hoover, do you write the tests yourself, do you take them from a test booklet, or both? Ah, whatever, I knew what I was getting into when I signed up for a college level course.
Don't change. The course is great the way it is. St. Clair, I loathe projects as well, so the tests are OK in my book. Perhaps none of us have been challenged at this level before...?
Stay gold, Hoover. Stay gold.
~Heather "don't have to put on the red light" Williams
Godzilla pd. 7
ReplyDeletejk ;)
Kyle Huntsberry pd. 4
1. You know, honestly i must say the best part about this course Hoover, is you. You know like kahn said, i dont mean to sound like a brown noser but you honestly make this class. I look forward to coming into this class and sitting there and listening to your funny comments everyday. Without you this class would be a snoozer.
2. Like EVERYONE else has said, the test are down right hard or tricky at times. Like Drew mentioned, some are actually easy, but in the end it's the trickiness that gets ya! ;P Like i understand that its a college course and they need to be hard, but as Saint said, the wording is just UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...... In order to make this work i think you should at least change some of the problems' wording to make it a bit easier on us. If not i suggest doing what tahi and jamie mentioned. Give us more opportunities to get more points with idk class work or projects. Oh and one last IMPORTANT side note... If you could just like study more with us i think it would help us out a lot more when it comes to the tests. Like if you focused more on what is ON the test (not saying that the other information we learn is not as important)but if you like focused more on subjects that have questions on the test about, it'd make it a lot easier. but yea... mostly i actually blame myself for the 85% i have. I NEVER study or read the chapters.... idk maybe if i did some work id have an A......hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
3. I would say that this course is up to my expectations, and many people complain about the tests(including myself) but what it really comes down to is that im sure that we could all actually get A's. After all we are AP students! I think its just that we're all going about studying the wrong ways and if we had more time to study and if we actually studied we'd do good. But the sad sad truth is that we all have lives and we all have other stuff to do that consumes most of our time. I just wish i had more time on my hands to study. When i do have time to study though, i dont because its usually the day after the test when we're learning a new lesson, so i just tell myself not to. Gosh. If i could pick one of the seven deadly sins that most likely represented me, it would def. be sloth. GOD AM I LAZY!!!!
o and dont change anything about this course, other than the tests! XD
As Heather Wisman stated above,
Stay Gold Hoova!
Ken Wisman Pd1
ReplyDeleteKyle, Kyle, Kyle, you never learn from your random idiot attacks do you? Awww, how very pathetic. Why don't you get a life and stop bugging me and everyone else who doesn't want to put up with your sensless crap. Now on to something more interesting that everyone actually cares about.
I think AP go is an awesome class because it allows me to accumulate a whole bunch of knowledge and at anice pace to. Also, hoover I gotta admit, you make it fun because if it weren't for you, this class would be a drag. It would be boring to hear about government without any neat stories thrown in the stewing pot, so thanks. The reviews and other random worksheets really help me out on tests too, and this can be a lifesaver. I like the blog too, because it allows me to vent after a long day and I get to throw in some funny stuff. The class is also challenging, and I like to be challenged in my classes, except Pre-Cal. is a bit much...
The class, I think, is all good because the teacher teaches well, and we reveiw the topics pretty thoroughly, which helps a bunch on tests. If I'd actually read the book *smack* I would get better grades on my tests...
The class, in my eyes, is perfect the way it is becuase the tests are challenging and you shouldn't baby the students just so they can get an A. They should work for their A's, just like everyone else who wants to suceed, not be spoon feed. This class is definitely up to my expectations (Whatever they may be), because it's an overall awesome class.
Stephen MaGilton pd 1
ReplyDelete1. well like most people are saying this class one of my tops. i mean im comparing it to wagmans class but still its a good one to start your morning with. hoover, you take a boring subject like government and make it interesting. im not afraid to get my mind blown apart and beat like when i walk into wagmans room.
2. the worst part about this course are the tests. they are a little rough im not gonig to lie. maybe we should have easier worded question that dont sound so confusing.
3. i kind of want to learn about the stock market. i know its confusing and would be like learning but i dont understand why its so important and it rules our lives.
@ st. clair
blog=easy points. agreed
@ kenny
agree with your kyle outburst. haha
Katelyn Owens, pd. 4
ReplyDeleteI enjoy how we cover a broad range of topics in class. It seems that we cover more of what’s happening in reality and I like that. Instead of going around the topics people don’t talk about, we bring it up and face them.
I think it’s hard for me to pay attention when we are going over notes. I’m not going to lie but I have gym and lunch right before and I’m pretty tired when I get there. Some days it takes all the energy I have to just stay awake. I’m not a fan of the tests either but that’s just me. I’m one to second guess myself on answers so then that lowers my score. But that’s just something I have to work on for myself.
I agree with Tahi that we should get more things we are graded on to earn more points in a marking period. The blogs are a big help in that though. I know this might mean more work for you but it’s just a suggestion.
Katelyn Owens, pd. 4
ReplyDelete@ Tahi
I agree with the idea of having more stuff being graded in order for us to gain more points.
@ Stephen
I like the easier test idea ;-) The tests are the hardest part for me. It’s really frustrating sometimes.
Nicole Lucas. Period 4
ReplyDelete1. The course is very informational. I really had no clue about anything involving the government before. You manage to make the class non boring and quite entertaining, which I think keeps alot of people awake at times.
2. The only real problem I have is there is just alot of information to remember all at one time. I don't find many negatives to the class.
3. The course is meeting my expectations. I wouldn't change anything about it.
Savannah Gilmore Pd 4
ReplyDeleteI like that the class isn't focused so much on memorizing dates and names (which would inevitably be soon forgotten) but rather applying what we learned. Most of the material is sort of boring, so I'm glad that there's stories and what not to go along with it.
I guess the worst part of the class is the note taking. I know it's necessary, it just gets a little repetitive for me. As far as the tests, of course they're much harder. It's an AP course.
I don't think the course needs to change. Now that I think about it, I'd probably rather take notes than have to fill out a worksheet or make a timeline. I really do not like doing projects, so don't feel obliged to add any.
@ Jamie
I'm with you on the whole not being sure if we have to post comments. Yeah, it's nice to have a look at what college courses could be like.
@ Claire
I agree that the class is a good place to pick up bits of information completely unrelated to government.
Lamar Lehman Pd 1
ReplyDelete1. I like that we learn about the goverment as well as many other things that we need in the real world. I like the various conversations that we have in class about things. I also like that the tests and stuff are challenging. Like, if you don't study or read the chapter you can get a 14 out of 30 on your test, unlike other classes.
2. The worst part of the course is the tests. Some of them are extremely hard even if you know the information. Also, there is a lot of information to remember for simply one quiz or test at a time.
3. I want to learn about other countries and how they do things in comparison to our country. Also i want to learn more random facts about stuff. Overall the class is meeting my expectations and i think it is fine.
Jennyy Napierskie pd 1
ReplyDelete1) I'd have to say the best thing is learning about what our government actually is. I didn't really care nor did I know anything until this class, and I actually enjoy learning about the various topics.
2)I don't like doing work, I'm not motivated, and I'm a huge procrastinator.
3)I think you should keep the class exactly the way it is, except maybe easier tests..
Thomas Boyer Pd 1
ReplyDelete1. Best part? hmmm... getting to make fun of each other person's opinion, and discussing topics that come to the surface at random times.
2. I suck at these kinds of tests... everything just mushes around in my brain and I end up getting all the easy ones wrong and the hard ones that you either know it or you don't correct.
3. MORE CASE STUDIES(MOVIES)!!!! and what happened with group activities? we stopped doing those lately; just group discussions.
Thomas Boyer pd 1.
ReplyDelete@ Savannah
Note taking? We just sit there and circle stuff while Hoover discusses random things. I take college courses and you do everything yourself. The teacher just says read chapters yatta yatta.
@ Lamar
Where did you get the exact score of 14/30 from haha? And I guess I would have to agree that I would like to learn more about current events a bit more.
Mariah Snyder pd 4.
ReplyDelete1. I really like how we get an overview packet of notes for each chapter. I also like how you reach out to the class as not just a "monotoned boring teacher", but actaully get us involved by not making the class boring getting the criteria in at the same time. i really like not having to do essays all the time either.
2. There is really no problem with the class. Just me. I tend to fall asleep almost everyday coming from wagmans class which really makes me mad because then i miss information. i really don't know how to solve this problem though because i am ALWAYS tired around that time every day. sooo yeah, saying getting more sleep at night won't help. tried it before. we should take stand up and stretch breaks more often though(: haha.
3. There is no reason to change the class. It meets my expectations and i'm learning what i need to know about government.soooo i really don't have any input for this question. oh wait, i agree with jenny. easier tests (: hah. yeah, that is about it.
Tasha Karl prd. 1
ReplyDelete1.) My favorite thing honestly is all the points that we are able to get. Because I know I don't do the greatest on tests but all the chances that you give us points will allow me to at least pass with this corse.
2.) To be completly honest about what I hate is that we have to read the book to pass this coarse. I find the book to be boring and it doesn't really make me want to read from it. You really can't do anything about it, I will just have to suck it up and try to read the book.
3.) I think this coarse did make me understand that college isn't all that fun even if you do have a really cool teacher, you still have to work the hardest.
@ Jenny
I completly agree with you about the tests, I feel that I need to bring a dictionary to class for these tests.
@ Claire
Yes I agree with your opinon about learning about the governmnet it is enjoying at times.
ryan hoover
ReplyDelete1 Well what i think the best think about this course is that this class isn't very stressful. Its more laid back and it seems like theres not really a super amount of work.
2 Sometimes tests are really hard thats about it.
3 Ill agree with jenny, keeping the class the same and easier test. :)
Kenny, kenny, kenny, you know what's pathetic? That you get soo offensive over something sooo stupid. IT'S A JOKE KENNY! Calm down. Plus your first sentence made no sense. Unless you're commenting on my post last week. If so then thats truly stupid of you. I'M NOT RACIST!
ReplyDeletePosting from the safety of the basement:
ReplyDeleteOK guys, let me step in quickly as the mod here.
Chester, Huntsberry, if you wanna keep arguing, take it to Messenger or something; keep it off the blog for those of us that would like a modicum of decency. Thanks.
Heather "will I wait a lonely lifetime" Williams
Josh Firestone pd. 1
ReplyDelete1) The thing that i like best about this course is that we spend a little time everyday talking about current events or whatever. I also like the blog easy points!
2) The only problem i have with the class is that the tests are worded in a different way then the information is presented which makes it tougher i guess. To solve this problem i just have to study more/better understand the material.
3) I would like to learn more about the goverment structure related to the branhes and how they work and less on the Constitution. I think to be more of a sucess i should read the chapter twice to better understand/pick up information.
Josh Firestone
ReplyDelete@ Tom
I agree with your opinion on the test they really do a number on your brain.
@ Lamar
The class is called American Government for a reason not to learn about other countries.
Robert Schmuck, pd. 4
ReplyDeleteI'd have to say that the best part of this class is the lack there of, if that makes sense. By this I mean the fact that we do get off topic sometimes and talk about things more relevant to our lives. I'm pretty sure everyone would rather relax and talk than learn the lesson in any class, but I think it's especially true in this case. This ties in with pretty much the only other thing I like about AP government. Mr. Hoover, there may be nothing anyone can possibly due to make government interesting to me, but you're interesting in your own right, nonetheless.
As I said before, the worst part of this class is the subject itself. I just don't find American government all that interesting. Other than that, I do alright in regard to the tests and other work, so I don't have many other problems with the class. No matter how dull I find the topic of a class to be, I'm still going to do the work and whatever else I have to to the best of my ability, regardless of how painstakingly boring it may be.
There's not really anything to know. The class has met my expectation thusfar, and I don't think there's anything that really needs to be changed. For a lot of people, it may only be a matter of getting used to the class in order to "be a success."
Alex Cost pd 4
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy how the course work is presented in a slightly informal way. i personally learn much better that way.
That said however i do think that the tests are very inconsistent, some are extremly difficult and some are realativly easy.
I think that realistically there isn't much i would change about this class. the only real improvment i could think of is maybe not doing the lameo boring powerpoints everyday.
Danni Barlow
ReplyDeletePD. 1
Umm i think i like Ap gov the most because its teachin us such a long, boring, and in depth thing in a fun way. I like how like if you get a bad grade on a test there are always ways to bring it up unlike a lot of other classes.
The only thing i can really think of are the tests. Like some tests are really easy and some are really hard.
In reality i like the course just how it is. I think im learning what i should be. All in all i believe how it is now helps me in my success.
@ tasha
i honestly agree with you 100%
@ Jenny
I completly agree with you about the tests
Stewart pd 1
ReplyDelete1. i like that this class is an AP course.. good opportunity for me to take a college course. its taught well... mr hoover makes it interesting and is good at explaining
2. i hate the test questions! theyre so wordy and confusing. even if i read them ten times i still dont get it and end up guessing
3. i dont wanna know anything particular.. im understanding and doing better in this course than i expected. (history isnt my best subject) i guess me understanding how to interpret quiz questions is something i gotta do on my own.. something i have to change for myself, but nothing for the class. its definitely not a boring class for me and i enjoy it
Rachael Paules; Period 4
ReplyDeleteI think that the best part of this course is the fact that we spend like 15 minutes at the beginning of the period talking about current events (however relevent or irrelevent they are). It gets my attention and helps me be a little more focused for the rest of the period. I also like that we review a lot for the test...we are told what main points we should study, etc. Oh, and i don't mind taking notes off of the powerpoint. I actually try to listen to what is said. Going over notes in class actually helps me a little.
The problem for me however is mostly just that I don't understand government. Nothing really stays in my mind. It all goes in one ear and out the other, and I don't know what to do that could make the material more understandable. I guess I'll just have to bore myself for hours until I actually grasp what I've read. I just don't like government and find it boring.
The course is exactly how i imagines and expected. I don't really know what can be improved. Maybe more review time or time to hit the main points in the book to grasp a better understanding.
Jeff Harman Period 4
ReplyDelete1. I think that the best part of this class would be that Mr. Hoover and the rest of the class can have fun and make jokes to make the class easier to get through. And even though we do joke around we are still able to get the work done.
2. I think that the worst part of the class is the note taking. Sometimes when we are going over the notes its hard to stay concentrated on them since they are so boring.
3. This class has met my expectations so far. It can be challenging at times but that is not really a bad thing. I don't think that there is anything really to change about the course.
@ Lamar
The class is supposed to be on American government so we shouldn't really look at other governments.
@ Josh
I agree I do like the easy blog points.
Shawn Vincent Pd.1
ReplyDelete1. I'd say what i most enjoy about A.P Gov. is the open discussion that ensues almost every class period. That way it keeps everyone involved and interested. It's easier to pay attention this way, which is sometimes an issue for me, so that's deffinitely a plus. Also, i'm a fan of the blog posting.
2. Hmmm, not much i could say is wrong with the class itself. Mainly my struggles come from my own dreadful work ethic, and studying habbits. However, i still do quite well for my personal standards grade wise, so not very many complaints here. hey ya know what, we don't debate often enough. We should have debates more often.
3. having more class debates would greatly improve my likeness for this course. It'd get the whole class involved, and have facts just ricocheting off the walls and into our ears. Also, i want more compliments on my outfits. I don't get those nearly enough.
@ jeff and other haters of lamar
ReplyDelete- If we compared and contrasted Am. government to the governments of other countries it would help us gain a much better understanding of how our government is.
@ Kenny and Kyle
-lol
Grant Brown
ReplyDeletepd. 1
I think the best part of AP Gov is that it isn’t the boring class I was originally expecting. No two days are the same and class is always interesting (for many reasons….) but remarkably we always get back to whatever we should be covering [which always amazes me…]
The only “problem” I have is the common one that people have voiced- there is a difference in the notes/lectures that Hoover gives us vs. how things are worded on tests which often makes you spend more time deciphering a question than actually thinking to figure out the answer.
I think just keep doing what we have been…I think the class could change to better help me be a success by giving bonus points for showing up to class each day. That’d be good.
@ Alex Cost - I agree with your # 1 and 2, I didn't take the time to read your third paragraph, but I liked the first two.
@ Schmuck - I actually read everything you posted. Its funny. And I agree.
@ Rachel
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the "in one ear and out the other" thing. Sometimes I feel like I have to read this stuff over 9000 times in order to retain it.
~Heather "Pepe Silvia" Williams
@Savannah- I am so glad we don't have to memorize dates! Unless it's near my birthday, I'll forget them.
ReplyDelete@Tom- I think you can pinpoint the exact location on tests where my brain has shut down and begins to pick the prettiest answers. It's usually on question 16...
Casie pd.4
ReplyDelete1. I definitly like that you take a boring course and make it kinda fun. I also like that its a course where we don't have sit there and be quite...we can get involved in conversations and stuff. :)
2. I can't think of too many issues. My only problem is with some of the test questions, there questions you really have to think about and examine before the anwser comes to you, which causes a lot of confusion. Other then that i like the class.
3. I'd like to learn more about the stucture of the government not just the laws. It is for sure meeting my expectations, and even though we all have a tendency to get a little distracted i still feel like I'm learning a lot. I really can't come up with much to change :)
Casie pd. 4
ReplyDelete@ Rachael
I agree that the random discussions at the beginning actually do keep us focused, and the reviews for the tests help a lot!!
@ claire
I agree with you and tahi that different types of grades would be nice, not just blogs and tests. Maybe homework grades or something
Zachary Hivner Pd.1
ReplyDelete1. Not to sound like a broken record but Hoover you make this class. As exciting as Poltics and the government is you still manage to make it fun. The class is challenging but it is nice to have all of those free points just by doing blog entries. It raised my grade a heck of alot. To be honest i like the tough history test that we don't all get A's on it makes the A more rewarding.
2. The only part of the class i don't like is that after the class is over i have only one period before i have to go to wagman's. No seriosly i don't like some of the strange wordings on the tests.
3. Yes this class is meeting my expectations but i knew hat to expect from last year and even though the class is different from Comp. Religion it really isn't that different except we don't have all the book work and worksheets to fill out in this class man were they annoying.
@Shawn
I also enjoy the discusions in hoover's class they are funny and occasionally insightful.
@Grant
Yes we should get bonus points. The school should also pay for our gas that it takes for some of us to drive here. Now that would be nice. Or they could pay us to eat their lunches.
Nathan Flory pd. 4
ReplyDeleteHoover, you honestly make the class enjoyable. During the summer work I fell asleep a few times while reading the background information. Everyone would fall asleep if the class taught in a Rafensberger-type monotone.
I agree that we should have a few more grades than test and blogs, unless we could have more blogs. It would be nice if I had to write a paper or two before English next semester.
I think that we should add a current events aspect to the course. It said in the syllabus that would need to read a national daily newspaper and I haven’t read anything at all and I’ve been perfectly fine. I would also like if we had more class discussions because then we get to see what our class think about politics and Kyle makes himself look like an idiot. The course is up to my expectations because this is meant to be a college level course so I’m glad it’s a bit tougher. I think that should go over the information more in class. It seems that some times that some information is gone over hurriedly and isn’t really taken in.
@ Drew
ReplyDeleteI agree that once the tests are out no one should be talking
@ Lamar
I agree that learning about other countries may only confuse us about the aspects of our own country.
Learning about other countries was something we should have done in World Cultures. Hoover maybe you could have a world politics course as well.
Abby Eldredge pd 1
ReplyDelete1. Well, I definitely would say this is one of the most interesting social studies based classes I have because I don't want to fall asleep everyday. Honestly I like the fact that along with the details we learn about government we get examples in real life which help me understand and link things together to remember them better. I can understand certain terms and systems better with the funny stories that go along with them. It's much more interesting than learning unpronouncable names and memorizing dates because I'm horrible at that.
2. Some problems with this class is that I get a little lost. I can't always tell what is important and what is a completely random thought that somehow developed from the actual lesson. I also have problems with the tests because they are a lot on the reading. I read the chapter as much as possible, but i find myself not fully comprehending what they are saying. It's almost too hard to read because I start losing my focus and dont understand it. I really don't have the time to read the same paragraph 5 times so it's hard because I don't get it right away. I'm not sure how to fix it because you can't teach us how to read a textbook
3. I think this class is average. I didn't really have any expectations for it because I have never liked history. It's not personally your fault that this subject bores me. I think government however is the most intriguing history I've learned thus far.
@ Nathan I agree on the fact of taking in more info because I get lost when we actually do get to the point because it is quick so I miss some keys things
@ Zach I agree with the test part. I sometimes completely guess answers because I can't get what the question is actually asking.
Drew P4
ReplyDelete@Majority--- I don't think that the wording is why the tests are tricky. Some of the questions just require a very in-depth knowledge of the subject to be able to answer the question correctly. Non-linear questions.
@Majority again--- I agree that if there was a different teacher, this class would be a lot worse. Good job Mr. Hoover you're entertaining!
Alex Hamm period 1
ReplyDelete1. A very definite plus to this course would be the class disscussions. They are pretty much always entertaining and they do help to prove a point at times. Hoover does a solid job at explaining the topics and I generally understand what we are studying.
2. The wording of test questions. At times I find myself thinking, "What the heck is this this asking?" The wording of some questions, especially those on the last test, could be tampered with in order to make the test more legible.
3. There isn't really anything specific that I want to learn throughout the rest of this course. I would like to expand my knowledge of government and maybe learn a bit about the people in the class through discussions. So far the class has met my expectations. I like having to think a bit. I can't really think of any ways for the class to change to better my success.
@ Nathan Flory
I agree with you on the current events thing.
@ Drew Holtzapple
The class is called AP American Government and the idea is to study how American government works. World cultures was supposed to teach us about other countries' governments and we all know how that class went haha.
@Alex
ReplyDeleteI agree that the powerpoints aren't always the best way to learn the info and get repetitive after awhile.
@Abbo
I totally agree with you about how it is difficult to filter what is important and what is not. For example, sometimes we'll spend 20 minutes on a topic, breaking it down and discussing it in depth. Then when I confer with people from 4th period they say that it was barely mentioned.
Scott Tilley, Pd. 1
ReplyDelete1. I really do like the way that we learn about our government. I like how we can choose to pay attention to the class or we can not pay attention. But we all know that it pays off to understand the curriculum. I also like the difficulty of this class and how you cant always get an easy grade, you have to study.
2. A problem with the class is it is very easy to get lost. The chapters in the book especially are very hard to follow but then again its an ap class and i guess that's what the text is designed for. Also, the tests vary in difficulty. One test is very easy to ace, and another i got a 14 out of 30 on. I don't completely understand what i should study for.
3. I really think that this class is meeting my expectations even though i have nothing to compare it to. It is challenging but it is helping me realize i have to buckle down and tackle a tough class like this by completing work and studying.
@ shawn- i totally agree, hoovers discussions put a fun spin on some topics. I enjoy them.
@ jeff- we don't really take the notes, we just get the packets so you really don't have to completely pay attention because all of the key stuff is in the packet.
Brook Warren Pd. 4
ReplyDelete1. Positives of the course. The pre-class rambles always pertain to very important things! While they may be off topic occasionlly, I definitely think I learn alot from them! But in all it is important to learn the basics of our government system. Sometimes it's interesting but other times, not so much.
2. In all the studying. I just don't really know what I can do to get a solid grade. I mean we look at the book, get notes, study the notes and in the end we come out of the unit with a 15 out of 30 on the test. The terms are very difficult to follow and often times question are just worded so strangely you get lost after the first couple words. I think it would be good to cover the vocabulary that we'll be seeing.
3.The class has pretty much met any feelings I've had about the class. Some of it is interesting, some of it puts me to sleep, it just depends. This class is showing me that I need to find different ways to study because my current method isn't working. It's showing me that making sure you truly know all the information down pat is key.
@ Scott
I definitely feel the same way about getting lost. I never really know whether or not I'm prepared.
@ Abby
I definitely like the whole real life connections. It helps me understand some things better.
Stefon Pd. 4
ReplyDelete1. I love your pedagogical approach, keep this up!! It really makes government not as monstrous a subject and an arduous one to learn about as one would think it could be...
2. I don't think there is much to say for this one. Which disappoints me. Hmm... Your mom.
3. How to get an excellent score on the AP test.
@ Brooke
ReplyDeleteI just thought of the vocabulary thing...
@ Drew
Yeah, but that isn't something he can control. [in regards to test difficulty and variation]
Caitlyn Yetter, pd. 4
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm late. Time hated me this weekend.
Well, better late then never, and some points versus no points.
1. I like how anyone can say whatever their opinion may be, like in these blogs. We can say what is our actual opinion, and not what teachers want to hear; it's our opinion on politics. I also like just flat out how funny this class can get. Yeah, the course material is dry, but we get a few good laughs in. It actually helps me remember things.
2. The problem with the course is just the fact that it is about politics, and can get very, very boring. But, that can't particularly be helped. Also, the tests: it's not a good feeling to be studying, looking at the terms, memorizing like crazy, and still not getting the grade I want because of obscure questions. Yeah, it's an AP course, and the questions are most definately going to be more advanced, but it still bugs the crap out of me. But that can't be helped either. Other than that, I give it an a-okay.
Oh, and people really need to shut it during tests.
3. I just want to learn the basics on how the government works, so I know what will be going on in the future, when I'm expected to vote. Not much more than that.