Re: Pedagogy

[Richard Tarara <rbtarara@SPRYNET.COM>]

I've tried a new approach to homework problems this past semester that
seemed to work--at least the students reacted favorably.  I had students
pair up--their choice of partner.  I would then assign ONE or TWO problems
for each class (we met 4 times a week).  I asked that each student work
independently on the problems but then decide on one solution to turn in
between them.  I gave them 5 minutes at the start of class to discuss and
figure out whose problem solution would be submitted for credit (in case
they hadn't had the opportunity to get together sooner.)  I was still
available for help and as soon as they turned in the problems we would
discuss solutions--if they wanted.  The short assignment EACH class seemed
to help.  Previously I would assign 5-7 problems a week, but as we all
know, many students _would_ wait until the day before, get overwhelmed, not
have time to come for help, and therefore would not complete the
assignment.  Now the fact that I count this homework as 25% of their grade
helps too!  ;-)

[I also changed the class from 4-50 minute classes and one 110 minute lab
to 4-75 minutes classes--all conducted in one of our labs (comfortable
chairs).  I then integrated labs into the schedule EXACTLY when they fitted
into the rest of the course work.  I did have to break a couple labs into
two pieces and do part one day, the rest the next, but also had time each
day to discuss the labs and their results.  Students really liked this mode
better than the previous one--which we ran the first semester.]

Rick

****************************
Richard W. Tarara
Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
rtarara@saintmarys.edu

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> [Original Message]
>
> Re: PedagogyCarl Mungan tangentially made an important point that
certainly happens in my teaching... students asking questions about easy
problems on the day before they are due.
> What this boils down to is not about a student with a conceptual problem,
but rather a student with a time problem.
> One answer I would give for Carl's question about how to help students is
to get them to start on the assigned problems sooner.  Of course this might
be an impossible task.
> I typically assign problems at least three days in advance and often as
much as a week in advance.  I rarely get questions until late afternoon
before the 8:00 AM next-day due time.  Problems become a lot more difficult
when you are out of time to solve them.  On the other hand, if you can try
the problem, get stuck, but have time to let it go, then come back... and
also have time to talk to others... and also have time to read the
textbook...
>