In AP Seminar, students learn to find and utilize evidence from experts, as well as how to effectively present their case from their own perspective through writing and multimedia presentations. In Ms. Jones-Toledo’s class, students have been researching real-world issues over the course of the semester, which culminated in group multimedia presentations. 

At the beginning of the semester, students chose a present-day topic to investigate and then focused their research on specific issues to address as a group. Each student researched the chosen problem from various perspectives, including ethical, environmental, financial, cultural, and scientific. After compiling research and analyzing data through their chosen lens, students wrote papers defending their solution. 

Students discussed their findings within their groups to develop the best solution for their problem. Once a solution was defined, students worked together to create presentations that established their argument, evaluated solutions, and fostered effective collaboration. Each group had ten minutes to present their research to their class, and following their presentation, students engaged in a discussion to defend their solution. The defense evaluated students’ understanding of the problem through different perspectives and measured the effectiveness of the solution they chose. The skills that students learn in AP Seminar will be essential as they progress through school and pursue higher education.