What I’ve Learned About Online Learning From the Revised Online AP Exams
Recently, I taught some classes on the changes to the spring 2020 Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Aside from learning about the specific changes for those tests, I had the opportunity to review good online teaching and testing. In general, the issues for students are similar to those they always face: what needs to be done to learn effectively and test well? Similarly, instructors still need to be able to have clear objectives, provide an effective teaching environment, and build confidence. The challenge for instructors is working in a novel teaching environment. What issues are impacted by learning online? First, more and more students will look for information online. While this is nothing new, I believe a lack of guidance can lead students to unreliable sources. As instructors, we need to teach students good practices, such as determining what makes a good source. For example, the dependence on Google searches has…
Tips for Standardized Test Reading Passages
Just about every standardized test, from state tests to the classic SAT and ACT to graduate options like the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and GMAT, includes a passage-based reading section. And so many test takers, who already know how to read, find these sections quite challenging. Why? First is the challenge of reading quickly and carefully. Second, test takers must contend with content with which they are either not familiar or find boring. Third, answer choices are usually designed to be confusing, sometimes hinging on subtle differences. But any dedicated student can, with help, patience, and practice, overcome the trials and tribulations of any Reading section. 1. READ BETTER Obviously, everyone taking a high-stakes standardized exam can read. However, many of us read slowly when given the choice. Unfortunately, you are not given a choice on these tests. There is not enough time to read the questions before the passage, read…
The Oxford or Serial Comma
Punctuation is definitely stressed on the ACT and SAT, and comma rules are probably among the most commonly tested. While many rules are just that (a guiding principle), some rules are more ‘guiding’ than ‘principle.’ This is the case with the Oxford, or serial, comma that is optional depending on preference. The Oxford comma (named for the preferred style of the Oxford University Press) is the last comma that appears in a list. For example, I went shopping and bought a pen, pencil, and stapler. The Oxford comma is the last comma in the list (between ‘pencil and the word ‘and’). Many would leave out this comma so that the sentence looks like this: I went shopping and bought a pen, pencil and stapler. In this case, it’s clear what the person means. However, there are situations where leaving out the Oxford comma affects the meaning of the sentence. Consider…
Dealing with “Old” Passages in SAT & ACT Reading
For many students, different styles of writing present problems for reading comprehension. In particular, many students find it difficult to understand passages written in earlier centuries, really anything from before the mid-1900s. While these passages, like more modern works, are written in grammatically correct English, they tend to be more stylized: authors from earlier times tended towards ornate vocabulary atypical of modern writing or speech. Their writing also include more metaphors and figurative speech. For many students, this combination makes understanding what the author is trying to say exceedingly difficult. Like it or not, both the College Board and ACT, Inc. love to delve into the archives for excerpts from Dickens, Bronte, and their esteemed peers. If you struggle with these types of passages (and you’re not alone!), try the following strategies: 1. Always focus the topic and main idea for the passage as a whole. Don’t get caught up…