Greetings,
I’m currently enrolled in the new AP course “Computer Science Principles”, taught co-ed through Project Lead the Way Computer Science. This is the first year the class is being introduced to the school, and without trying to sound ungrateful or arrogant, my teacher is pretty incompetent.
At this point, class time has devolved into a free period, with the teacher coming to class each day not even having read the instructions at all. She tries to figure everything out mid-class, though most of the time that leads nowhere. It suffices to say that we haven’t got much done this year. We took a whole 2 weeks away from class time and divulged from the curriculum to watch the Matrix trilogy. I learned a TON from that very, incredibly educational experience (can you sense the sarcasm?)
I still want to perform well on the AP exam, but my situation poses a bit of a dilemma. how am I supposed to learn the content? I’m a bit worried about test-preparation specifically. That is to say, since the class is so new, I haven’t found any Barron’s/Princeton Review/other test preparation booklets to use.
Is anyone having a similar experience (not knowing how to study) in AP CSP, and if so, please let me know of any possible solutions.
Thanks!
I too had the same problem finding a book for my daughter. AP® Computer Science Principles Crash Course is being released on January 15, 2018 so you can preorder it now. I also got Computer Science Principles: The Foundational Concepts of Computer Science as well which is out now. It is free on kindle and the hard copy is under $8. Good luck.
http://cs10.org/ is a type of college course that was a model for development of AP CS principles.
I would recommend focusing less on the test (since AP CS principles is not that likely to give useful credit for college requirements other than perhaps general elective credit) and on learning what CS is all about, whether or not you are considering a major in CS in college. Because computers are used almost everywhere these days, people in all areas would benefit from this type of knowledge of CS.
Another possibility is looking on line and find a syllabus of what your teacher should be doing. I noticed a few by googling it. As far as getting more and more colleges are giving credit. Three credit hours is still more than just pocket change.
@Dad2020
A few colleges I’m interested in attending accept a 4 or 5 score in exchange for credit from an actual CS class.
I’ll definitely be sure to browse around online, thanks!
@ucbalumnus
I certainly agree with the value you’ve placed in familiarizing yourself with the basics of CS. My plan is of course tentative, but right now I’m leaning towards majoring or planning my classes around an entry in CS in college.
I’ll check out the resource, thanks!
@sdevorefl
Very useful recommendations, thank you!