Re: MATH Papers and Take Home Tests
Lee E. Erker (lerker@MADISON.TDSNET.COM)
Thu, 5 Dec 1996 22:34:57 +0000
Paul
I took lots of take-home exams when I was an undergraduate (blue-book
tests) and always signed the honor code (and have it well memorized) "I
have neither given nor received aid on this exam Signed:----" As I
remember my impression was that most students took it very seriously. I
do the same occasionally now with my students but just as often I
encourage them to consult others and show all work. I plan to use more
take-home exams, group projects, and writing in all of my math courses.
I refuse let a few students who "cheat" make me lower my expectations
and the level of learning in my classes. I have just finished several
lengthy discussions with colleagues on what to do with that part of the
student body who still believe that a college education is only low
level imitation of simple tasks that the teacher puts on the board (i.e.
the test will have five factoring problems on it just like these!). I
think that all three techniques above must be used much more to solve
this and related problems.
Lee Erker
Tri-County CC