As Mayfield enters the final few weeks before AP tests begin, AP Psychology students are preparing for the exam while their teacher gets them ready for it.

AP Psychology teacher, Brittany Pumphrey, admits it’s difficult to deliver quality instruction. “One of the greatest challenges in teaching AP Psychology is adapting to the hybrid model and trying to instruct in a way that is engaging, but still very effective.”

Pumphrey’s approach to hybrid learning has been successful, according to junior remote student Jackie Hasto. “[Hybrid learning] has helped me feel independent with my work and notes and has challenged me to understand the material more,” Hasto said.

Pumphrey uses different methods to ensure kids at home and in the classroom are getting the proper education. She said, “I try really hard to make sure that I am paying equal attention to both groups of students… I will have multiple devices signed into Zoom, so I can respond to the chat and in-person questions with equal expediency.”

With everything going on this year, Pumphrey has also taken steps to try relieving the stress off her students. “I’ve tried to incorporate more time to just take a breath… changed some end of unit assessments from tests to project based assessments and included time for non-AP activities,” Pumphrey said.

Hasto believes that Pumphrey’s assignments throughout the year have been challenging, but still effective. “I feel like I will be ready for [the AP exam] once the time comes due to all the notes and projects we have done,” she said.

An in-person student, junior Jack Dominish feels the same way. He said, “I feel like I’m gonna do well on the AP test with Ms. Pumphrey’s teaching and format this year.”

Pumphrey says she’s also made an effort to consider her student’s mental health. “The feedback from students regarding being intentional about including more of a focus on overall well-being has been really positive, and that has been very rewarding,” she said.

As for her instruction style, Pumphrey has made an attempt to use asynchronous learning for shorter and more interesting units, but has relied more on traditional teaching methods for most of the material. “For much of the content, the students have told me they prefer more synchronous learning, so I try to accommodate that whenever possible,” she said.

Hasto enjoys the self-paced nature of asynchronous learning but ultimately prefers synchronous. “If I really was confused on something [during asynchronous learning], it would be hard to reach the teacher and have a fast, descriptive answer.”

Pumphrey acknowledges the challenges that students face given the current situation but ensures that student attitudes towards the class and the exams have remained on par with previous years.
She said, “My students have met these challenges with fervor and have proven time and time again to be dedicated, hard working, and resilient.”

The AP Psychology Exams begin May 11, 2021.