A New Way to Assess AP Psych Students’ Content Knowledge and Critical Thinking Skills?

Relating to various APUSH CED topics.

AP Psych teachers, imagine you’re a sophomore in a high school psych class and have been told by the teacher to assume that you had been hired by the local newspaper to write an article entitled The Tiger Mother Phenomenon: Nurturing Success through High Expectations, with this article to be written in collaboration with ChatGPT.

Imagine further that you write the article appearing below (which is not graded) and then, for a grade, are asked to write with lock down browser installed the answers to a number of following up questions (with these questions appearing after the article.)

Do you believe doing all this would give you an opportunity to demonstrate content knowledge? Critical thinking skills? Think it would teach you to write better?

THE ARTICLE

The Tiger Mother Phenomenon: Nurturing Success through High Expectations

Introduction:In today’s multicultural society, it is essential to understand and appreciate diverse parenting styles. One such style that has garnered significant attention and sparked debate is the concept of “Tiger Mothers.” Coined by Amy Chua in her controversial book “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother,” this parenting approach emphasizes discipline, high expectations, and relentless dedication to academic excellence. In this article, we will delve into the principles and impact of Tiger Mothers, examining their effects on children’s academic achievements and psychological well-being.

Defining Tiger Mothers:
Tiger Mothers are characterized by their strict and demanding parenting style, aiming to cultivate high-achieving children through rigorous discipline and a relentless focus on academic success. These parents often place immense emphasis on their children’s education, setting high expectations for grades, extracurricular activities, and future career prospects. While Tiger Mothers are not exclusive to any particular cultural group, they have gained significant attention in Asian communities, including the Chinese population in Southern California.

Academic Achievement and Work Ethic:
One of the central tenets of the Tiger Mother philosophy is the belief that academic success is paramount. Tiger Mothers place a strong emphasis on academic performance, often pushing their children to excel in all subjects. Research has shown that students raised by Tiger Mothers tend to perform exceptionally well academically, often exceeding their peers in standardized tests and college admissions. Their rigorous work ethic and unwavering dedication to achieving top grades often pay dividends in the form of future career opportunities.

Psychological Impact:
While the Tiger Mother approach can yield impressive academic outcomes, it is important to consider the potential psychological effects on children. Critics argue that the relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and decreased well-being among children raised under Tiger Mothers. It is essential for parents to strike a balance between fostering academic excellence and supporting their child’s emotional and psychological development.

Cultural Factors and Adaptation:
The prevalence of Tiger Mothers within the Chinese community in Southern California can be attributed to a combination of cultural values and socio-economic factors. The emphasis on education and the pursuit of success is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture. Additionally, many Chinese immigrant parents in high-achieving communities prioritize education as a means to secure their children’s future prosperity, given the competitive nature of the global job market.

The Importance of Individual Differences:
While Tiger Mothers have been both praised and criticized, it is crucial to recognize that parenting styles should be tailored to the individual needs and temperament of each child. Not all children respond positively to intense pressure and strict expectations. Some may flourish under such conditions, while others may experience negative psychological consequences. It is vital for parents to understand their child’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and personal aspirations, and adapt their parenting approach accordingly.

Conclusion:
The Tiger Mother phenomenon has sparked important discussions surrounding parenting styles and their impact on children’s academic achievements and well-being. While the high expectations and discipline characteristic of Tiger Mothers can result in impressive academic accomplishments, it is crucial to balance these with emotional support and individualized attention. Parenting should be a flexible and adaptive process that considers the holistic development of each child, fostering their academic growth while nurturing their psychological well-being.

THE FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS

Q1. The title of your article referenced Tiger Mothers as a “phenomenon.” Why did you choose the term phenomenon rather than “practice,” “trend,” or “style”?

Q2. The subtitle of your article highlights the positive aspect of Tiger Mothers’ approach by mentioning “Nurturing Success through High Expectations.” Why did you choose this subtitle instead of something that suggests a more balanced exploration, such as “Unveiling the Complexities: Examining the Effects of Tiger Mothers on Academic Success and Psychological Well-being”?

Q3. One of the sources mentioned in your bibliography (Beyond the Classroom: Why School Reform Has Failed and What Parents Need to Do) was not directly cited in the article. Why not?

Q4. Which source from your bibliography did you find most informative or influential in shaping your understanding of Tiger Mothers? Why?

Q5. Name at least two potential criticisms of the Tiger Mother parenting style mentioned in the article.

Q6. Regarding the book “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother,” did you read the book or access its contents in any way, or did you merely rely on secondary sources to gather information about its content and arguments?

Q7. I didn’t see you mention in your bibliography the 2013 APA article, “Tiger parenting’ doesn’t create child prodigies, finds new research.” Why not?

Q8. Several times in your article, you mentioned “academic success.” Define, please.”

Q9. How do you respond to those who, citing a 2013 UCB study, say that the children of “tiger parents” develop more aggression and depression?

Q10. In your article, you say, “Some may flourish under such conditions, while others may experience negative psychological consequences.” What do you mean by “ negative psychological consequences.” And if you say depression, what is that? Same question if you say “increased anxiety.”