Assignment 26- Annie Varner

I believe the most effective way to create a productive learning environment is to establish the right relationship between the student and the teacher.  While it is true that every teacher has their own personality and certainly their own way of teaching AP material, the most impactful teachers I have ever had are teachers that make it clear when it is time for learning and when it is time for casual discussion.

You know better than anyone that academy kids in particular know exactly how to take advantage of a class to get as many points as they can while putting in as little effort as they can. (Not saying I'm not apart of this group, bc I am.) I wrote in an earlier blogpost about how much I appreciated the socratic seminars, however, because it puts those kids in the spotlight, where they are forced to use their own intelligent minds, even if they don't always want to.  Keep bringing in your cool videos and interesting articles, but MAKE us talk about it.  Everyone has something to say about current events, and the best way to do that is through socratic seminars.  I don't know if I am making total sense right now, i feel like im rambling.

I also like the essay-reading.  The people who want to become better writers are listening and paying attention and I feel like on a subconscious level through reading different people's writing we are becoming better writers ourselves

In my experience, the most successful teachers are the ones that are intimidating from day one, but are also open to have lighthearted moments at the right time.  They are the teachers that everyone talks about (Mrs. Drake is so scary, Dr. Bonzo is insane!!) that we always seem to love at the end of the year.

So basically, my advice to you is to become a cold-hearted bitch who doesn't accept extra credit.  Just kidding, I think the material you teach and the way you teach it is very effective (im sorry I hate this world but i couldnt think of any other adjective) , but could be enhanced with stricter rules and establishing your role as teacher.