In this episode of “Parents, is Your Teen College Ready,” host Shelley Howard interviews Michelle Pardue, a dedicated AP biology teacher with over 30 years of experience. Michelle opens up about her passion for teaching and her journey in education, highlighting how she has influenced her students’ career choices in medicine. The discussion covers the increasing challenges students face when preparing for AP biology exams post-COVID and the essential skills they need—such as interpreting data and applying scientific thinking. Michelle emphasizes the importance of creative teaching methods to make biology engaging while addressing parents’ concerns about their children’s preparations for the AP exams. Through thoughtful approaches and available resources like the College Board’s AP classroom, Michelle aims to provide students with not only the knowledge but also the strategies necessary to succeed academically.

Key Insights

Understanding Student Preparedness: With the shift in educational dynamics post-COVID, many students struggle with the workload and rigor of AP courses. This highlights the need for early intervention and support by parents to ensure their child is ready to tackle challenges ahead.

Teaching Beyond Knowledge: The modern AP biology exam demands critical thinking and scientific reasoning. Teachers must focus on helping students think like scientists, which is crucial for both exam success and real-world applications in their fields.

Role of Passionate Teaching: Michelle’s enthusiasm for science makes biology more approachable. Her approach underlines that a teacher’s passion and ability to connect material to students’ lives are vital for increased engagement and success.

Leveraging Online Resources: Parents can guide their children to utilize resources offered by College Board, such as AP classrooms, which provide invaluable test prep materials and instructional videos, thus empowering them to take charge of their own learning.

Strategic Test Preparation: The AP exam structure can be daunting. Educators need to ensure that students are familiar with the test format and content so they approach the exam confidently and with all necessary strategies at their disposal.

Promoting Cooperative Learning: Study groups can enhance understanding. Encouraging students to learn collaboratively can lead to greater retention of the material and increased enjoyment of the learning process.

Encouraging Interviews: Encouraging parents to communicate with their children about their preparation can unveil gaps in knowledge and understanding. This conversation can help identify students’ needs and seek assistance ahead of the AP exams.

This podcast is particularly beneficial for parents who want to support their teens in preparation for the rigorous demands of AP courses while nurturing their interest in science and maximizing their potential for success in college and beyond.