Matthew Woodin

I had Mr. Woodin for AP Lit, 2021 (pandemic online learning year). I believe what I say in this can also apply to the other courses he teaches as well. First things first: Mr. Woodin, in my experience, was a very nice and funny guy. He opens with quirky lessons that can come from places like his Facebook feed, an episode of Seinfeld, or even a trip to the parking lot to learn how to check for the oil levels in your car. There were also several instances where he let scholars share a poem they liked and lead the class through a lesson plan. When a scholar participates, he always takes time to expand upon and discuss what the scholar says, making him feel like a more approachable teacher. You can even send in some of your college essays for him to give feedback on. My biggest gripe with him, however, is that there really isn't much being done in his class. If you're taking this class to succeed on the AP test, don't expect the lessons to prepare you very well. If you're taking this class wanting to improve your English and Literature skills, then again, don't expect Mr. Woodin's class to do much for you. It felt like every day, we only had one thing in our lesson plan: one poem to read, one section of Hamlet to cover, or just one video clip. As a result, class can go for the full length (I had him while we were on online learning, so each period was close to 2 hours), or just 10 minutes; most of the time, it was the latter. There is no homework, no tests, and no readings (save for the one essay we had each semester and the last reading-presentation project). Although we sometimes have a quote we respond to, we never get feedback for what we write, making the exercise pointless except to make us write a bit. Additionally, when we covered literary works, it sometimes felt like Mr. Woodin was just feeding us his interpretations and annotations rather than letting us scholars do the analyzing; compared to the other English classes I've taken in Arcadia High, there was a lot less discussion both as a whole class and between peers. As a result, when class finishes, you don't feel like you've learned much or got your brain moving. I felt like this class was largely unsatisfactory, and oftentimes, a waste of time. This is really disappointing, especially considering that Mr. Woodin's goal for his class is getting his scholars to make reading and literature a part of their life, rather than just getting a 5 on the AP. I get that he may be letting us seniors have an easier time or give us the freedom to explore literature on our own, but as someone who wanted to be challenged in an AP class, that approach to teaching just doesn't work. If you want to make the most out of this class, I will say you would have to independently study. Follow the AP daily course, even if you aren't going to take the test. Go through the lesson books posted on Google Classroom that cover more technical material. Read ahead in the coursework, annotating and making your own arguments or essays. Lastly, ask Mr. Woodin for help after his lesson ends. I'm certain he would be glad to give you feedback on any work, discuss what you've read, clarify any questions, and give recommendations on what to read.

Don't write/share any idea that isn't aligned with his. He will publicly present it to the class without keeping it anonymous and laugh at it... as he did with mine. Other than that, easy A, just read the books.