Clarke Central High School senior Camille Flurry (right) works on a computer in the graphics design classroom at CCHS on Oct. 2, 2019. Flurry is currently enrolled in AP English Literature and Composition. During quarantine, Flurry has had to strike a balance between schoolwork and free time. “It’s odd getting used to the new normal for our (AP Literature class), but we are still able to imitate our great class discussions online which is comforting,” Flurry said. Photo by Ireland McCage
AP English courses, like many other AP courses, have had to focus their attention on preparing for AP testing in May but from home as a result of distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In light of recent events, teachers all across the nation have had to adjust their classes and teaching styles to accommodate the needs of distance learning, while students have had to learn how to balance their free time with their work schedule. Advanced Placement teachers have changed their structures in order to stay on track for AP exams in May.
For CCHS English department teacher and AP English Language and Composition instructor Andrew Dean, distance learning has affected his class structure significantly.
“I would say that (distance learning) has changed my approach pretty significantly. If we had face to face instruction, I would engage in test prep for short chunks in class while continuing with our normal readings, writings and discussions,” Dean said. “Due to the nature of what we are dealing with now, I am almost exclusively creating lessons for the (AP) exam.”
For CCHS senior Camille Flurry, her AP English Literature and Composition class has stayed engaging.
“Distance learning for our AP Literature class has been a combination of video calls and online assignments. We do a Google Hangout call once or twice a week, which is a nice way to reconnect to the class and check in with everyone. We are also assigned practice AP tests, as well as our normal classwork that corresponds to the unit we are in, (which right now is poetry),” Flurry said.
The College Board has created live stream lessons for all AP classes to keep classes on track.
“I appreciate the fact that (College Board is) putting the (AP English Language and Composition) sessions online for students to view. They are very informative and are giving some subtle insights as to what the exam content will be this year,” Dean said. “I do think they could make them more concise to keep the viewers engaged.”
