Swan Song

401 Total Hours recorded on time log (including summer homework)

Planner Check:

I have returned all AP Physics textbooks to Mr. Tillay, but I have yet to turn in my Library textbooks.

My Project is not done by June 5th, 2009, although it will get done by Monday.

Yes, I have paid my $12.50 for my Kaplan Guide!


My effort the last four weeks: Poor. I've got to admit, I tanked after AP exams. It was more like a passive-agressive response; I worked my ass off until the day of the exam to pass it, which I feel I did, and then after that I was so wrapped up in learning lines for the school musical, then letting loose at Gradnite. I didn't get to enjoy much before the exams, so I indulged a bit afterwards.

Turning in work the last four weeks: Poor. It comes hand in hand with my effort. By the way, no matter what I do I end up sleeping at 11 pm every night for the last four weeks. It seems my body is trying to catch up on some lost sleep but cannot.

Quarter Attendance:Excellent

Think-it-through:

Three things I have enjoyed about this AP Physics Class this year...

1. Working really hard, and getting the results in the classroom and in the class in general. I rose my level as a learner, and I maintained an A throughout the year up until this point in time.

2. Working with Mr. Tillay. I have been like a sponge to water, absorbing everything that I could get. From my observations and experiences, my time with Tillay has made me a better person and even more importantly, a better student.

3. Simply learning physics was an enjoyment in and of itself. Physics is my favorite subject by far, and I enjoy learning the aspects of physics; everything from vectors to electricity and magnetism to even the theories of relativity. My love for physics has been uncovered and nurtured by my teacher, Mr. Tillay.

Three things that I would like changed...

1. I would like to see the class time in the weeks right before the AP exam used better. It seemed a little hectic and sloppy in the way we utilized our class time before the exam, and that rattled me a little coming into the test. To ensure a confident student for the AP Physics exam, our class time in the weeks beforehand should be maximized.

2. Continue to keep the Focus on AP Physics problems! This is where it's at, I hope the class gets more exposure to actual exam free response problems throughout the year.

3. Keep the class on pace to have a good portion of review time for the exam. We had to rush at the end, so I feel if the class is held at a good pace where they are learning what they need to, when they need to, they will be fine.

Myself as a student in five sentences.

When I am motivated, I am the best student. Life problems and social issues in my life hamper my capacity for learning. I bring my level up during crunch time. I rise to expectations and I succeed when it matters most. Looking at the grand scheme of things, I still have a lot to learn!

How do I need to improve?

I need to improve my time management. I cannot do everything, but I do as much as I possibly can and try to succeed in everything I do. This may hold to be a problem, and I am evaluating myself to relieve myself of that problem.

What grade have I earned for 4th quarter? 2nd Semester?

4th quarter: C
2nd Semester: B

I know I was burned out during 4th quarter and I didn't put as much effort as I could have. Frankly I saved all my enjoyment of senior year for 4th quarter, more specifically, right after AP exams.

MR. T's Grade...

1. For the most part, Mr. Tillay is ready to roll right when the bell rings; sometimes, even before the bell! He has his agenda ready days before, and even when we have problems to solve, he still finds a way to slug through problems. Mr. Tillay sometimes admits that he is a bit rusty at times, but we forgive him for that because even if he is rusty, he is still a better problem solver than we are!

2. The section links and files are a great resource. I expect them to grow and to expand; they are one of the tools I used to help me become a more resourceful student.

3. One thing I thoroughly appreciate is the relationship Mr. Tillay and I. Throughout the year we emailed back and forth about problem solving, life, and so forth. He was always willing to email back, talk to me, and he kept himself available to me and my classmates.

5. Problem solving sessions, Self-Evals/Blogs, Projected Daily agenda, Monday Planner Session, Exams, Cornell Notes, Quiz, Fusion Drop Box for HW, Labs, Video Notes, Project, Computer Notes, Notebook checks, Electronic textbook

6. To make AP Physics better for students, we should always be reminded that everyone should take the AP exam and pass! Keep it in their heads that passing the exam is the number one goal, and by all means necessary they all should work towards that goal!

7. Mr. Tillay should adopt stricter deadlines if need be. I feel it is on a class to class basis, and if the class needs to be pushed, they should be.