As you know, this is year one of me teaching AP World History. With the amount of blood, sweat and tears I've poured into the course, I hope it's one of many. As the kids figure out what works for them, I'm doing the same. I assigned the 2nd DBQ today and felt infinitely better than the 1st DBQ go around. But, the more we talked through the question and how we would group, the more I began to doubt my understanding of the question. I'm not sure the kids realize just how much our thoughts mirror each other because I can see them doing the same thing. They feel like they've figured out what angle to take on the DBQ and then the more we chat about it, the more they begin to question themselves.
Sometimes I feel like the more I try to discuss it with them, the more confusing it becomes. How do I find that balance between wanting them to have conversations surrounding the question and wanting them to figure it out on their own? It's still so early in this process and I know they still need guidance. Maybe it's myself that I need to be more confident in so I don't end up questioning myself and feeling like I didn't do enough to prepare them.
And then, of course, I wonder, when will I stop feeling this way in AP World History? In a month, in 3 months, next year? I don't know, but I can't wait for that time!
Sometimes I feel like the more I try to discuss it with them, the more confusing it becomes. How do I find that balance between wanting them to have conversations surrounding the question and wanting them to figure it out on their own? It's still so early in this process and I know they still need guidance. Maybe it's myself that I need to be more confident in so I don't end up questioning myself and feeling like I didn't do enough to prepare them.
And then, of course, I wonder, when will I stop feeling this way in AP World History? In a month, in 3 months, next year? I don't know, but I can't wait for that time!