Re: Use of calculators on exams/in class
Sharon Smith (ssmith@ADMIN1.AUGUSTA.TEC.GA.US)
Thu, 18 Apr 1996 14:29:22 -0400
You said:
>And, just as I have little patience with students who object to problems they
>haven't seen before, I have little sympathy for instructors who allow their
>teaching to *depend* on the existence of test banks. The students, who
>are--as yet--uneducated, at least have that uneducated state for an excuse.
>
>--Lou Talman
Here we are required to use test banks for our final. They are designed
according to our state standards and any changes to the standards take 2
years to get through. I find that if I teach what I feel the students need
to know they do fine on the test bank final. My tests during the quarter do
not come from the testbank, though. I know I have been forced to lower my
standards from when I taught in another state, but in our situation we have
a pre-Algebra course and then College Algebra. I have been trying for over
3 years to get an Intermediate Algebra course so our College Algebra course
level could be raised to College level. With the cut backs in funds I've
been told it probably won't happen for at least another year. As I read the
inputs from across the country I'm envious of those who have been able to
develop the pre-requisite courses so students can utilize the technology
effectively. I find here that our students can push the tan inverse button
but have no comprehension as to what the meaning is behind the button.
>
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Sharon Smith
Augusta TechnicalInstitute
Math Instructor
Isa 43:1-3
email ssmith@augusta.tec.ga.us
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