[Phys-L] Re: homework lookup

["David T. Marx" <marx@PHY.ILSTU.EDU>]

Mariam,

    You may have finally explained why I always get this comment about exam
    questions not matching the content of the course.  I work hard to create
    questions that test specific conceptual understanding.  These problems are
    generally not all that difficult for anyone that was paying attention, but they trip
    up people that are simply going through the motions.

On the topic of finding solutions online...
    I am teaching solid state this semester; and a senior student recently
    complained to me about a text problem.  He said he spent several hours looking
    online for the solution.  I then directed in to the section in the text where the
    topic was explained.  In the text, it described the approach one would take to
    solve the homework problem to the extent that one could solve the problem in
    approximately two minutes with just a little mathematical manipulation.  Again,
    nothing all that difficult.

Students at all levels look for ways to avoid studying and learning course content.



On 15 Apr 2005 at 17:36, Mariam Dittmann wrote:

> A number of years ago, I had a student who had the nerve to turn in a photo copy
> of the solutions manual for his homework.  I asked where he got it from and he
> told me that it came from our on campus tutoring center.  He was shocked when I
> told him that I would not accept it.  Then, I went to the tutoring center and
> confiscated their solutions manuals, which they said were only there to consult
> if the tutors got stuck (they had asked the department to provide them for that
> purpose).
>
> In the next term, I quit assigning homework.  I went to recommended problem
> lists.  I relied heavily on this list for my tests/final material.  Of course,
> I had to laugh when a few students complained that they had no idea where I
> could have gotten these test questions and that they certainly weren't related
> to the course.
>
> Mariam Dittmann
> Georgia Perimeter College
_______________________________________________
Phys-L mailing list
Phys-L@electron.physics.buffalo.edu
https://www.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l