Why Did the College Board Reduce AP Exams Content and Duration During a Pandemic?
With the recent announcement from the College Board to reduce the content and duration of Advanced Placement (AP) exams in light of the ongoing pandemic, many students and educators are questioning the decision. The official reasoning behind this move seems to be multifaceted, considering both logistical and practical challenges. As someone who has been closely following these developments, I can offer some insights into why this reduction was necessary.
The Challenges of Online Exam Administration
The primary reason cited by the College Board is the feasibility issues associated with administering online exams over an extended period. The logistical nightmare of conducting exams in every nook and cranny of the United States, where students and teachers are spread out, would be monumental. Reducing the duration and content helps alleviate these logistical challenges, ensuring a more seamless and effective exam administration process.
Reason 1: Feasibility Issues
Imagine trying to organize a two-week long exam across the vast United States, with each student attempting the exam from their homes, schools, or wherever they may be. The College Board faced a monumental task in ensuring the integrity and uniformity of such an endeavor. By shortening both the content and the duration, the College Board could manage these exams more effectively, ensuring that all students had a fair and consistent experience.
Practical Considerations of Remote Learning
While it might seem counterintuitive that students would face challenges with more time for preparation, several factors come into play. These include infrastructural issues, motivational challenges, and the quality of instruction provided in a distance learning environment.
Reason 2: Infrastructural Issues
Many students did not sign up for AP exams with remote learning in mind. When schools abruptly closed, it disrupted the traditional learning environment, making it difficult for students to find a conducive study space at home. Moreover, not all students had reliable internet access or a conducive home environment for studying, which could hamper their ability to prepare effectively for the exams.
Reason 3: Motivational Challenges
The sudden shift to remote learning has significantly affected student motivation. Life during a pandemic is unpredictable, and many students are dealing with various personal and family situations that can undermine their focus and drive. The traditionally motivating presence of teachers and the structured classroom environment is missing, which can make studying more difficult.
Reason 4: Quality of Instruction
Online education is vastly different from in-person instruction. While students have more time at their disposal, the quality of instruction is often inferior. The interactive and collaborative aspects of classroom learning, which are crucial for deep understanding, cannot be fully replicated through a screen. This makes it harder for students to grasp and retain new material on their own.
The Implications for AP Students
This decision by the College Board affects students in several significant ways. First, the content reduction means that students will not be expected to cover as much material as they did in a traditional setting. This is a practical adjustment that recognizes the unique challenges of remote learning. Additionally, the decision to make the exams open note reflects a shift towards a more realistic assessment of what students can accomplish remotely.
A Partial Solution
The compromises made by the College Board demonstrate a partial recognition of the limitations of remote learning. By reducing the content and making the exams open note, the College Board is attempting to level the playing field and allow students to demonstrate their knowledge more effectively. This is valuable because students who have put in the effort to prepare for the exams deserve a fair and accurate evaluation of their abilities.
Student Perspective
From the perspective of many AP students, the reduced content and open note exams are a relief. Even with the additional time, the novelty of remote learning can overshadow the depth of study. Sticking to review and familiar material allows students to feel more confident and focused, which can ultimately lead to better performance. The decision respects the fact that students have already grappled with significant challenges in their learning process.
While the College Board's decision may not be perfect, it is a pragmatic response to a complex and unprecedented situation. By balancing the practical challenges of remote exam administration with the need to ensure fairness, the College Board aims to provide a more manageable and effective assessment process for students.