Post on 24-Feb-2016
description
Problem Sets, Labs, & Plans
Robert Arrowood, Hannah McNeill, Brandie Newman
Problem SetsHannah McNeill
Problem SetsThe TermUsed to apply to any
assignment of questions students are expected to answer
Shouldn’t have correct answers, but should understand the concepts and be able to apply it to other problems
Problem SetsThe FunctionUseful toolDemonstrate skillsUnderstanding larger concepts
Set Ground Rules Importance of good problem
solving over perfect solutionsStudents come from different
backgroundsSame problem set can be simple
for some and challenging for others
Know your students abilitiesIt’s up to the students to learn,
you can’t do it for them
Lesson PlansBe creativeVisual: pictures, charts, graphsVerbal: story problems, real life
applicationsPhysical: tennis balls, Lincoln logs,
pulleys and leversStart simple then get more
complexMetaphors and analogies are
helpful
Reviewing Problem SetsTeaching Assistant led ReviewUse questions from studentsNever humiliate studentsEncourage equal participationTime is precious
Reviewing Problem Sets
Student CollaborationReshuffle groupsFind out grading policiesBe clear about expectationsKeep all group members engagedVary class plans
Reviewing Problem SetsStudent PresentationsAlleviate anxiety, state that you see
presentations as a way to asses understanding
Stress that students get full credit as long as they are prepared
Set yourself as a support system not a judge
Student Feedback
Simple PrecinctInitial Free WritingFinal Free Writing
Grading Problem SetsGrading on a curveQuizzesExtra Credit
LaboratoriesBrandie Newman
Weekly Prep
Run the experiment yourself. Benefits of Running an
Experiment Equipment Time Frame Fix problems in the experiment Allows you to evaluate lab
reports more accurately. Note: If you can’t run the
experiment before the lab, READ THE LAB NOTEBOOK.
Lab Equipment Check all needed lab
equipment before the first day; make sure the lab equipment works.
Visit the lab. Be “friends” with the person
who preps your lab.
Lab Safety and Assigning Lab Groups Give clear instructions about
lab safety procedures. Be firm and strict with lab rules
and procedures.
Assigning Lab Groups Separate friends Put more experienced students
with inexperienced ones.
During the Lab
Once the lab is underway, walk around.
Use this time to answer questions and correct any mistakes.
However, let the students answer the questions themselves.
Make everyone participate. Make sure they use the “in
between time” constructively.
Wrapping Up the Lab
Meet with each lab group. Make sure they are cleaning up
and putting away equipment.
Common Lab problems Failed experiments. Students who miss labs. Inattentive students.
Lab Reports
Explain the purpose of the lab reports at the beginning of class. The experiment is based more on the process than the results. Assure the student it is possible to receive an A on a failed lab report. Clarify what you expect. Use model lab reports.
Trusty Class PlansRobert Arrowood
Structured Class Plans
Information Exchange
Debate Pros and Cons Consolidating Lists Video Presentations
Guest Speakers Exam Preparation Grammar and
Usage Review Paper Workshop
Information Exchange
Students teach other students Presentations
Works well for large amounts of information
Time to prepare needed
Debate
Formal presentation of arguments for both sides Supporting evidence
Challenges rigid beliefs
Both sides of argument are presented
Pros and Cons
Both positive and negative aspects covered
Vocalization of opinions Politically incorrectness is encouraged
Spawns discussion
Both sides of arguments presented
Faster than debates
Consolidating Lists
Simple generation of lists 5-10 facts per student
Encourages prioritizing important arguments
Begins discussion of abstract ideas
Video Presentation
Provides information, examples, or viewpoints for topic
Students care less Reinforcement of educational goals Incentives
Guest Speakers
Personal experience
“Real world” Experience
Importance of selection process Nervousness Irrelevant material
Exam Preparation
Review session Class before exam
Allows better recognition of important material
Slightly promotes slacking
Grammar and Usage Review
Quick and Easy
Pinpoints common errors Some unknown errors
Reduces correction/grading time for drafts/final papers
Paper Workshop
More time is put into writing
Reduces correction/grading time
Promotes different perspectives
Why Should We Use These?
Promotes group cohesion
Stresses important topics
Reduces lecture
Less class preparation needed
Makes hectic graduate work easier
References
Curzan, A. & Damour, L. (2009). First day to final grade: A graduate student’s guide to teaching, 2nd. The University of Michigan Press: Ann Arbor, Michigan.