AP Physics C

Online Check-in Results

In January 2024, students were asked to complete an online evaluation form for this course. In this form they indicated how strongly they agreed or disagreed with twenty-three statements, and had the opportunity to submit written comments on six additional questions. Evaluations were performed in-class and submitted anonymously via a web-based evaluation form.

Many thanks to my students for their honest feedback on these forms.

The results of the "multiple-choice" responses are summarized here. Values in parentheses, where presented, indicate averages from the previous year.

STATEMENT: AVERAGE RESPONSE
(n=13)
5-Strongly Agree
4-Agree
3-Neutral
2-Disagree
1-Strongly Disagree
4. I enjoy taking this class. 4.54 (4.33, 4.63, 4.33, 4.27)
5. I learn a lot in this class. 4.85 (4.83, 4.38, 4.87, 4.80)
6. The information in this class will be useful in the future. 4.38 (4.06, 3.88, 3.79, 3.87)
7. This class is difficult for me. 4.23 (4.12, 3.88, 4.00, 4.07)
8. This class has a lot of homework. 3.77 (3.18, 3.38, 3.40, 3.40)
9. I complete homework assignments regularly. 4.31 (4.71, 4.38, 4.67, 4.93)
10. The textbook in this class is useful to me. 3.77 (3.17, 3.38, 3.60, 4.07, 4.00, 3.44, 3.63)
11. The teacher in this class is useful to me. 4.77 (4.72, 4.63, 4.87, 4.67)
12. The teacher demonstrates enthusiasm for the subject. 4.92 (5.00, 4.75, 5.00, 4.80, 5.00, 4.78, 4.97)
13. The teacher is respectful of students. 4.46 (4.44, 4.63, 4.93, 4.53, 4.94, 4.56, 4.63)
14. The teacher wants me to succeed. 4.54 (4.72, 4.88, 4.80, 4.60)
15. The teacher presents course material in a clear, straightforward manner. 4.54 (4.59, 4.38, 4.60, 4.40)
16. The teacher presents course material using variety of techniques. 4.38 (4.41, 4.13, 3.53, 4.00)
17. The teacher checks to ensure that students understand the material. 4.31 (4.18, 4.13, 4.00, 4.40)
18. The teacher is available outside of class for individual help. 4.69 (4.47, 4.38, 4.71, 4.53)
19. Class time is used effectively. 4.62 (4.18, 4.00, 4.33, 4.27)
20. Course objectives are clearly stated. 4.23 (4.29, 4.38, 4.43, 4.40)
21. Grading criteria are clearly communicated. 4.46 (4.22, 4.14, 4.47, 4.00)
22. Assignments are meaningful and reflect the course objectives. 4.38 (4.50, 4.29, 4.47, 4.40)
23. The presentations (either PowerPoint-based or website-based) are useful to me outside of class. 5.00 (4.28, 4.43, 4.87, 4.53, 3.69, 4.22, 4.00)
24. The presentations (either PowerPoint-based or website-based) improve the quality of the teacher's lectures. 4.69 (4.24, 4.13, 4.53, 4.67, 4.41, 4.22, 4.33)
25. The presentations (either PowerPoint-based or website-based) are effective in helping me understand the material. 4.67 (4.29, 4.00, 4.80, 4.60)
27. For assistance in coursework, students who ask other students for help: 11/13
27. For assistance, students who use office hours 9/13
27. For assistance in coursework, students who search online for help: 8/13
27. For assistance, students who refer to textbook 8/13
27. For assistance, students who email instructor 9/13
27. For assistance, students who ask a family member 0/13
27. For assistance, students who ask a tutor 1/13

Results from the "free response" questions are given here. Not all written comments have been listed, but the comments that are given are representative of what was received.

28. List a few of your favorite things about this class. I really enjoy the way the class is run, and I particularly enjoy the way the material is presented and the content presented as I find it extremely interesting

I enjoy the class atmosphere and how it's dynamic and relaxed.

I like the teacher, the content, the website presentations

Some of my favorite things about this course is the ease of information/studying through the online textbook, the cool experiences and demonstrations shown in class, the obvious enthusiasm of the teacher, and the engaging concepts.

I really enjoy the variety of demonstrations we do in class. I think they are a great way to engage with the topics. I also enjoy the labs. I also really like the classroom atmosphere. I feel very free to ask questions, and I think it is a very collaborative environment.

I enjoy the classroom atmosphere and the lectures we have in class. I think that they are well formatted and very helpful in understanding the material.

i like how there is a good blend of learning days, as well as a fun environment. there are always some blends of fun demonstrations and things that keep things interesting. i also think doing problems in class help me understand the material more

The lab experiences and the teacher's enthusiasm for the subject.

I enjoy the atmosphere of this class, which is contributed to by the teacher and the students. I think we make a good, collaborative community. The website notes are very helpful. Chipotle night is also very helpful as a space to ask questions and sit down to review the material.

Mr. White is very enthusiastic about the subject matter. We don't just use class time for general lectures, we also do fun things (like playing with the van de graaf [I'm not googling how to spell that] generator). The online resources are invaluable, if I didn't consult the website often I would be completely lost. I also appreciate how relaxed deadlines are, obviously some are very concrete and they should be, but homework never feels like it has to be turned in exactly when it's due, and this is relaxing whenever my schedule gets busy and I know physics can wait a day or two.

In class, I like how there is an open enthusiasm and jokes being used in class to lighten the mood. I think the visual representation of what we are learning is a great change of pace.

atmosphere is very chill, there's not a lot of cold-calling which is good bc cold calling makes atmosphere too stressful, we have fun with experiments, everything is always on crashwhite and its very avail, lectures are very straightforward, daily hw assignments are very doable and don't take super super long, it's nice when homework can be turned in slightly late without penalty (helpful because when hw is confusing its better to just keep it and review IMO instead of turning it in immediately), the semi-flexible deadlines and leniency for lab due dates and other stuff is super nice because it just makes the class so much less stressful esp when the material is already hard, the extra credit short labs are v good

One of my favorite things is the slides that you make for each unit; they are extremely helpful to me for both following along during class and also studying outside of class. I also really appreciate Chipotle Night; it gives me the opportunity to ask all the questions I've accumulated over the unit. I like how the grade book is one bucket of points instead of weighing various types of assignments differently. Lastly, thank you for always being available outside of class to help.
29. Which achievements in here are you most proud of for the year-to-date? I got an A first semester and learned all of the fundamental parts of physics that I will build on next year in college

I'm proud of my ability to grow and continue to keep learning despite setbacks.

Doing well on the block day exam - I studied a lot and it paid off

I don't have a specific achievement that I am very proud of, but what is very rewarding is how the way I view the world changes as I learn new concepts, and my understanding of how things work improves.

I think my best achievement was when I got my highest test score on the last test of the E & M semester. I felt as though my test scores were on an upward trajectory, and it was really nice to see my understanding reflected in a test. I also felt as though I had developed a good way of studying and that was reflected in my score.

I'm most proud of my Mid-term because I felt that it assured that I somewhat knew what I was doing in the first semester and assured me that I my efforts were paying off.

keeping up to date with my work. the extra credit, although wasn't a required assignment, was something I felt accomplished after finishing. i spent a lot of time working on it. I'm also proud of my labs

The Rolling Objects Lab. It allowed me to apply and demonstrate a variety of concepts and skills.

Understanding concepts that were initially very difficult for me was rewarding. Collecting good lab data is also rewarding because we put so much effort into it.

Getting a B for first semester. Even if it was with the help of several test retakes, I felt like I was drowning for most of second quarter, and it was a weight off my shoulders to end in such a good spot.

I think that in addition to my success on tests, doing the rolling objects lab with Brandon and being able to see that we could record real data to prove long theoretical calculations was rewarding.

my highest test score because that was the test I felt very unprepared for, also the rolling ball dropping into a cup lab because our ball actually made it in, seeing our calculations manifest was cool

I am most proud of my performance on tests in this course because I study a ton before each test, and my performance on tests shows the work that I put in. I'm also proud of my lab reports because I worked to make sure that my lab reports were organized and detailed.
30. List a few of your least favorite things about this class. I don't like homework, but that's just because I don't like doing homework

I don't have any comments at this time.

For some reason, I always get extremely tired in the physics room - the content is interesting, and I do my best to take notes and stay focused, but I'm falling asleep every time I'm down here. Especially after lunch.

One of my least favorite things about the class is lab writeups.

Occasionally, we will learn new concepts relatively close to the test or even two days before the test, which does not give me a lot of time to study. However, I do understand that is the nature of a fast-paced AP course, and I think the overall flow of the class is really good.

I don't really have any least favorite things just that the material is hard :(

given this is an ap physics class, essentially trying to fit in two classes into one year, I feel like the pace is a little fast sometimes, and we often don't get much time to absorb the new information we learned before the test.

Because this course covers two AP courses in a single year, I think that the content is a bit rushed. Specifically, I think this course focuses on strategies for solving particular problems to the detriment of conceptual understanding. For example, I feel confident that I can solve problems involving kinetic energy and momentum, but I still cannot give a coherent explanation of the difference between the two. I wish that more time was dedicated to explaining and defining ideas prior to learning how to mathematically execute them.

The curriculum is so fast-paced that we don't often have time to check in about understanding, synthesize the information we've learned so far, or step back and look at the whole unit and strategies we've learned throughout. Also, we often run out of time in class to go over the examples on the website and have to do that at home, which is less helpful. // // Finally, it would be helpful if the answer keys to the practice tests were more detailed and clear. Often, I have to ask the teacher to elaborate, and I feel it would save time if the keys themselves contained that information.

Some classes are a little inconsistent in the way they are run I know that circumstances can be unpredictable, and some classes are rushed by necessity, but it sometimes feels like we have a super easy class and a super complex class back-to-back and (from the student side anyway) I don't see why they couldn't have been balanced in a calmer manner; I accept that this may just be the result of circumstances I don't see on my end though. // // Additionally, with regards to the first semester extra credit assignment, I didn't realize how much that would be worth. Certainly I take the blame for not seizing any opportunity I had to better my grade, but at the same time I was completely unaware of just how positive an effect it *could* have had and I regret not taking better advantage of that. // //

Sometimes I wish we had more nights to study for a test, but with the fast pace that we go at, I understand it.

when we don't finish the lesson in time it can be unclear on a specific hw problem whether I don't understand because of me, or because we didn't go over it yet. i feel like hw or practice test is sometimes not reflective of test problems bc the tests feel a lot harder

For some of the homeworks in the past couple units, I feel that the content of the homework was covered in the class after the homework was due. On the other hand, in the first semester, the majority of the content of the homework was covered in the class before it was assigned.
31. What has been most difficult or challenging for you up to this point? What strategies have you considered for meeting those challenges? I struggle to complete my homework and it's only getting worse in second semester, but I'm doing my best to stay on top of it when I can

When we first did momentum/angular momentum, I found it challenging. Being out of class for some time also made it a little harder, but I was able to reach out to Mr. White and other students and use the website to catch up.

Staying awake in class (not because the content isn't interesting) - this is a struggle even on days I'm not tired at all for some reason. The lectures are engaging, and I try to take notes to stay awake, but that doesn't help.

I have found the most recent unit difficult. There were also tests that I didn't perform well on. Furthermore, a lot of the units build up on previous units, so something that helps me is going over previous units as well if necessary. The online sheets are very helpful as well in this process.

I think the most challenging thing for me up to this point has been test-taking. I can struggle with seeing familiar concepts in unfamiliar contexts. In order to address this, I have started studying more in advance for tests and doing all of the practice problems available to me independently (i.e. lecture examples, Learn AP physics, the practice test, etc.).

Sometimes just trying to understand the concepts and apply it towards other, more difficult problems or connecting different concepts together to solve problems. I have tried to go to see you if I'm having trouble and reviewing my notes and the website.

the material has been challenging for me (especially w the pace), as sometimes I feel like I understand but at the same time don't. i work collaboratively with other and study together to help me understand what we are learning more.

Finding an effective study strategy for tests took me a while. I've figured out that working through the problems in the slideshow and completing the practice test usually prepares me sufficiently.

The sheer pace of the material makes it difficult to understand all of it. Doing all the homework when it's assigned and asking the instructor questions as we go is helpful and less overwhelming than only asking at the end.

Being prepared for the tests is an uphill battle. Some I feel more prepared for than others, but I almost always feel blindsided by something because I wasn't prepared for how critically I was unprepared in that area. I've gotten a bit better at this, particularly writing down whatever I *do* know for some partial credit, but we'll see how that pans out with this first quiz of the semester.

The rolling objects lab was the most challenging for me, so I met with you and collaborated with my friends. I also rewatched the video a couple of times and reviewed the website. All of these resources were very helpful.

the last few tests have been challenging, I think mostly because I didn't stick to my test prep strategy, so I think I need to go back to what I was doing before // // notetaking has also been hard for me, not sure how to fix this one tbh

The most difficult part of this course for me has been studying for tests; however, I think that is more of an issue on my end because I feel the need to thoroughly study the available material. I typically study 8-12 hours give or take for each test. I've considered cutting some portions from my studying routine, but I haven't brought myself to do it yet.
32. Suggest some improvements to make the class better. Keep running the class the way it's run, the dynamic and teaching are both fantastic.

Not sure right now.

Maybe some fresh air would help?

I think that I sometimes feel rushed doing the lab in class, so perhaps more time for labs would be useful.

I do not have any suggestions for the course aside from possibly trying to have more time in between learning new material and seeing that material on a test (although the AP schedule might make this not feasible).

Maybe an improvement for future classes to find a way to implement questions about homework in the beginning so that if there is something really confusing they can work it out before the lecture because that understanding could help for later material.

i think the class is working really well. its a good blend of lecture, in class practice, labs, and review. i hope there may be a few more days after learning new material before the test to help us absorb the information and have the time to ask questions.

Again, I think spending more time developing conceptual and theoretical understanding would be extremely helpful.

Is it possible to slow down the pace? I assume not. That's the main thing, though. // // Otherwise, as I said already, more detailed and clear practice test answer keys would be appreciated.

You've been teaching this class forever, I don't imagine I could suggest anything you haven't already thought of.

I honestly can't come up with an improvement, so maybe more bonus points?!

not sure tbh, maybe record the harder lectures, more opportunities for big extra credit?

I suggest that you record more classes. Sometimes, I fall behind on the content during class, and having class recordings is very helpful to me on those days.
33. Other comments? Enjoyable class overall, challenging but useful.

Although the class can be difficult and the material complex, I think the way that the material is presented makes the class very fun and engaging. Physics is considered boring by some, but because of the class environment and the teaching, physics is my favorite class this year.

I really appreciate your willingness to meet with me so often.

what's going on rn works! :)

I think that you are arguably the best teacher I've had. // // I also appreciated how on the first day of school you were very straightforward about how this course would not be easy; I think that was very effective in mentally preparing me for what to expect.