In some of the higher level classes (Multivariate Calc, Diff. Eq., Lin.
Alg.) I give midterms that have BOTH an in-class (closed-book) component
(covering stuff I think they should know without references) a take-home
(open-notes, open book, closed-other-persons) component that covers the
type of problems which might be more involved and take more time and
thought than what one could reasonably expect on an in-class timed test. I
usually use the honor system in these classes on the collaboration issue
(although some randomizing such as the techniques described above could be
employed somehow) and trust that the in-class portion will identify those
students who can't do things without help from others.
I find them useful in some settings, but would probably not use them in
every course.
Jim Francis ******* * * * * *
Edmonds Community College * * * * * *
Mathematics Department * *** * * *
20000 68th Avenue West ******* * * * * *
Lynnwood, WA 98036-5999 * * * * *
(206) 640-1377 * * * * * * *
jfrancis@edcc.ctc.edu ******* *** * * * * *