Teaching AP World History in a compressed 16–18 week semester is no small feat. With 9 units, 71 topics, and the imperative to develop students’ exam skills and writing proficiency, the task can seem daunting. However, with strategic planning and a focus on big-picture themes, it’s entirely manageable.
Embrace the Big Picture
AP World History is designed as a survey course. Attempting to take a deep dive into every event or figure (like the intricate details of the French Revolution) can consume valuable time. Instead, use such events to illustrate broader patterns, such as the global impact of Enlightenment ideas on revolutionary movements. This approach aligns with the course’s emphasis on overarching themes and comparative analysis. Rather than getting overwhelmed by the multitude of topics, focus on the course’s key concepts and historical thinking skills. These include understanding causation, comparison, continuity and change over time, and contextualization. By centering your instruction around these skills, students can better grasp the material and apply their knowledge effectively on the exam.
And on that note, you absolutely do not need to teach every illustrative example you see in the CED! Pick 1-2 or two to use as an example to illustrate the Key Concepts of that topic. That’s the purpose of the illustrative examples!
Develop a Strategic Pacing Guide
With limited time, it’s crucial to allocate your weeks wisely (and I highly recommend planning by the week for semester courses). Consider spending approximately one week per unit, with some flexibility based on the complexity of the content. That may seem very short, but you will need to take lost days into account (this past year’s number of weather day was off the charts!), the need for review and assessments, and dedicated time for writing practice. Incorporate regular writing practice, such as Short Answer Questions (SAQs), Document-Based Questions (DBQs), and Long Essay Questions (LEQs), to build students’ proficiency. Embedding review sessions throughout the semester can also reinforce learning and prepare students for the exam (without panic reviewing and cramming the last week of the semester). My pacing guides can be found here.
Leverage Available Resources
Don’t reinvent the wheel. There are numerous resources available to support your teaching:
- The AP World CED
- The Unraveled Teacher Curriculum
- Facebook Groups for AP World Teachers
- Reach out to AP World teachers in your district if possible
Maintain Flexibility in Instruction
Recognize that it’s impossible to cover every detail within a single semester. Be prepared to make adjustments as needed and focus on the most impactful content. Remember, your goal is to equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed, not to cover every possible topic exhaustively. I’m here to tell you that it is OK to send your kids home with a textbook reading or a short video to cover content! It can’t all be done in class!
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