The “hard classes:” known for being chock full of “smart kids,” mounds of homework, complex topics, and grade-dropping tests. From Physics to American Government, the more difficult classes at BHS are taken by only a select few people. But just because a class is advanced, it doesn’t mean students should shy away from it.
“People look at, oh, who’s taking Physics? Oh, they’re the ‘smart kids,’ right? I argue that I would take anyone who works in the shop, and they would love physics because it explains why things work,” science teacher Paul Bell said.
The main reason students are worried about these classes is they are for dual college and high school credit, so naturally, they have more coursework. However, this opens a lot of doors for students as they are able to get college credits cheaper and become more adjusted to high-level schooling if they were to go to college.
“Especially for kids who are going to a four-year university, it sets them up with credits that are cheaper than they will be at university,” social studies teacher Jennifer Leahy said. “Also, the skills that you’re learning in both of those classes will prepare you for other classes that you might take in the future, or even if you head right into the workforce.”
Senior Taytm Haedt is doing just that, stacking up college credits while also preparing for the difficulty of college
“I choose to take hard classes to prepare for college and to get college credit for a few of them,” Haedt said.
The benefits aren’t simply external, either. Taking challenging courses builds a strong mind, allowing students to think critically in all aspects of their lives.
“It lets them realize that they can overcome challenges, that they can do hard things while also making connections to their learning. There’s a lot of psychology in doing hard things as it is good for you, developmentally,” Bell said.
Figuring out how to learn is important, as before taking these classes many students didn’t need to study or ask questions and could quickly understand concepts. When they do run into problems, however, they often avoid asking questions in fear of seeming incompetent.
“They feel like asking questions shows that they don’t know anything, but that’s counterproductive in getting the help that they need, because it doesn’t make sense. Asking questions is the best way to fix that,” Leahy said.
Whether it’s a simple question or some more in-depth assistance, most teachers do find time to help their students while also promoting collaboration between students.
“I encourage them to work together because I may not explain it perfectly and that’s okay. If they’re willing to come in for help, if they’re willing to ask the questions, I’m willing to support their learning,” math Shawn Erb said.
Although teachers do choose to help, not everything will come easy in these classes. It’s important for students to continue to work and to put effort into their learning, to truly get the best results.
“I’ve found success in always studying no matter how late it is when I get started, and remembering to turn in all my work on time,” Haedt said.
In this working together, thinking and talking, things start to click for students. When these classes start making sense, the payoffs are immense and students start to enjoy problem solving, and school itself.
“Students are going to have to think, and then they’ll get it. A lot of people think they can just memorize and do the least amount of work to get by, but in physics students have to own it, they have to work through, they have to challenge themselves, and if they don’t, they won’t get those ‘aha’ moments,” Bell said.
