RE: AP-C Test

[kfox@shhs1.smoky.org (Ken Fox)]

> My students just came out of the AP-C level test and said there were
> numerous essays they had to write instead of solving problems.  In
> addition, no equation sheet was included.  I don't have a problem with
> the latter except that the ETS implemented an equation sheet last year.
> So I figured it would be similar this time.  Also, I did not expect such
> a high concentration of essay work.  Any comments out there?
>
> ----------
> Tom K. McCarthy   Email:mcca6300@spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov

The equations were printed on the green insert, if not in the pink book. I
have not asked about the latter but have the green insert in my hand. (so
to speak)

As for the test, there does seem to be a change in philosophy that leans
more toward conceptual understanding and less toward rigorous problem
solving. The questions showed a broad range of skills from graph
interpretation to deriving expressions to being able to show understanding
of the Physics involved independent of multistepped problems. Yet, in each
section, there was one problem that was more in the former philosophy, #3
in each section. I find that I rather like the new approach, but will have
to adjust my preparation of students so they are expecting this new kind of
question.

I do wish that we could get the solution guide, once the testers have done
their work in June. There are times that I want to feel more confident that
I am in tune with the expectations of the test makers. Sometimes, I feel as
if I read too much into the question. At any rate I do enjoy working out my
solutions.