The AP Psychology Experience
-In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can-
Rudimentary Foundation to Success
Fellow future AP Psych students and parents, we as individuals confine ourselves to only the things we believe will keep us safe. Although, we should sometimes take the next step out of our comfort zone to achieve greater success in the world we live in. AP Psychology is a fundamental course that enables us to learn who we are as people both inside and out. From learning about the structure of the brain, numerous experiments performed by famous psychologists, to even how nature vs nurture plays a vital role as to how we as individuals behave in certain situations in our environment, we have the ability to expand our horizons in many more ways than thought possible. For parents who are stressed out, worried, and even anxious about their child taking AP Psychology, the best advice would be to take chances when they are given to you. Your child is capable of accommodating their normal schedule into a more rigorous format. Yes, it may be difficult in the start, but once they adapt to the workload, it will become a piece of cake. This course is filled with information that will blow the socks off your feet!
Engaging Activities? Of Course!
AP Psychology not only encompasses an abundant amount of information, but it also comes with tremendous amount of activities that allows people to make the textbook their reality. For an example, a simple structure of the brain in the textbook can be recreated into a 3D tangible product. One of the most beneficial projects in the course will be creating an individual representation of the human brain. Whether it be a poster-board, rice krispie treat model, or a flip book, make it fun and make it come alive! Psychology is not psychology without creativity, just like a dog's salivation is not salivation without a bell. If you enjoy expressing your likes and dislikes towards food, room 302 is the one for you. As a class, you will have the chance to determine whether or not different foods stated by the professor, Mr. Dement, are either mouthwatering or revolting. Through this taste aversion, you may also experience a sudden need for conformity. If the majority of your peers agree on one food, you may too!
What is Sleep?
Sleep is one of the most beneficial things we as individuals do. We may not notice it, but when we all sleep at night, we enable ourselves and even our brain to relax and get ready for the next days activities. If you study for an exam the night before and you get a good nights rest, you brain will be recharged and ready for the next day. It is proven that when you study and rest for 8+ hours, you are highly likely to recall the information faster. Especially around AP exam time, psychologists recommend that we rest our brains in order to reduce stress and anxiety come test day.
How do I study?
Depending on the type of person you are, studying techniques may vary. Throughout the AP psychology course, you will learn how you function as an individual when it comes to preparing for big exams. You will learn that distributive practice is vital to passing tests, especially the AP Psychology exam. Making time to study material over an extended amount of time will allow the information to be stored in long term memory rather than short term memory. Cramming the night before is not the ideal way to pass and ensure a 5 on the AP test. Forming mnemonics, chunking information into different categories, or engaging in an in depth conversation with another individual, may be some of many studying tips to help guide you in the right path. What you do now will pay off in the future!
What did I take away from this course?
Walking into this class, I feared the outcome at the end of the semester. I feared failure and I feared the unknown. I was told that AP Psychology was the hardest AP class out there. I was close to dropping out of the class until I was told that I can do anything. Taking this class and looking back at my experience in it, I am beyond grateful to have challenged myself in many ways possible. I believe that the class has taught me so much than I ever imagined knowing. From the topics of intelligence, emotions, and behavior, I gained an insight to what makes me different from every other individual out there. I was given the opportunity to be creative in the class especially through the various projects assigned. I found that there is not a specific definition for intelligence. We all are capable of achieving different goals, and never once should we take for granted the endevours we can accomplish especially with a help of our magical tool; our brain.