Re: Value of Homework

["David T. Marx" <dtmarx@SIU.EDU>]

I am one that views homework as essential to learning.  But, students will not be inclined to do it
without it being a substantial portion of their grade.  In my course preparation, I want students to
be exposed to a large variety of problems, but I also want to optimize my time (or that of a grad.
assistant) spent on grading.   I resolved to assign perhaps 10 problems per week and then
randomly select 5 for grading.  That way, a student had to do all of them and I could do less
grading.  I have never received a complaint about this method.

I do encourage students to work with others on homework assignment, but demand that the
answers be their own.  Those that copy from others tend to do poorly on exams.  I also tell
students that the assignments are sufficiently time-consuming that they cannot do them the
night before.  I also tell them that if that is their method, they won't have enough time to seek
help before the assignment is due.  It works overall and students come in for help throughout the
week or after class.

Take care, David Marx Southern Illinois University


On 31 Oct 2001, at 11:51, Tina Fanetti wrote:

> Hello all
> I am currently thinking about next semester.  I was wondering, how many assign homework, collect and grade it?  How many just assign the problems and expect the students to do them on their own (ie not for a grade)?
>
> For those that don't have a specified recitation section for your class, like at a community college, do you spend class time going over the homework problems?  How much time?
>
> Thanks very much
> Tina
>
>
> Tina Fanetti
> Physics Instructor
> Western Iowa Technical Community College
> 4647 Stone Ave
> Sioux City IA 51102
> 712-274-8733 ext 1429