Re: [MATHEDCC] Getting Back to Basics From jbecker

Martha Haehl (haehl@KCMETRO.CC.MO.US)
Mon, 25 Oct 1999 17:27:13 -0400

I'll add to the venting also. I just finished grading Intermediate Algebra
Midterms. My students expected me to give them a sample exam and make up
the midterm just like the sample with a few numbers changed. Instead, I
gave them a sheet of things they should know such as "When solving a system
of equations, what is the form of the answer?" and suggested they make up
their own questions around the language and takes notes of the procedures
they must follow to answer their own question. They seemed to think this
was grossly unfair--and their grades reflect my unfair practices. By the
way, there is free tutoring available from 8:00 in the mornings until about
7:00 every evening and I have given them my email address as well as the
Swarthmore online tutoring service.

It seems the higher the level of class, the greater the expectation is that
mathematics is strictly mimicing an example in the book or an instructor,
not problem solving in any way shape or form. After all from a sample
midterm they could have memorized that Problem 1 should be done "this way"
and Problem 2 done "that way" without every having to analyze a single
instruction stated in mathematical language.

Martha

****************************************************************************
* To post to the list: email mathedcc@archives.math.utk.edu *
* To unsubscribe, send mail to: majordomo@archives.math.utk.edu *
* In the mail message, enter ONLY the words: unsubscribe mathedcc *
* Words in the Subject: line are NOT processed! *
* Archives at http://archives.math.utk.edu/hypermail/mathedcc/ *
****************************************************************************