Homework Guidelines
The following are some guidelines for homework assignments:
- Write clearly and neatly. If you use more than one piece of paper, staple them together. If you use paper from a spiral notebook, cut off the ragged edges.
- Clearly label each problem and provide complete solutions to problems, including explanatory text. Answers without work get no credit.
- Write in complete sentences, using correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
- Write up the solutions as if you were explaining them to a Calculus I student in a different section.
- Use diagrams and graphs (use a straight edge or ruler), if possible. Label them appropriately.
- Don't use haphazard presentations to cover up disorganized thinking!
- At the bottom of your homework you should write a statement acknowledging any people who discussed any part of the homework with you (including tutors, peers, professors, etc.)
- Turn in your best work on time (if you can't attend a class arrange for a classmate to turn in your work, put it in my mailbox before class, or email it!).
- Your revisions of the Reading questions should be included with your homework for each section.
- Homework is due when class starts. We will take the first few minutes to answer some questions.
Some suggestions:
- Many of the exercises are not at all similar to examples in the book, and some of the individual problems will probably take longer than what you may be used to. On such questions, ask yourself what you need to solve the problem and what you have learned that could possibly help (don't look for a worked problem just like it).
- Give yourself plenty of time! Attempt the homework after reading the section, then finish it after the section is discussed in class.
- If you do not know where to start on a problem, discuss it with other students, come by office hours, go to the tutoring center (don't let them solve the problem for you), or send me email!
- I recommend that you work with other students to complete the homework:
* Do the assigned reading and homework before you meet with your group.
* Discuss the homework problems with your group until everyone agrees on a solution and understands it. Often there are different ways to approach a problem. Working in a group you get the added benefit of experiencing other students' approaches.
* Each individual should turn in his/her own homework with explanations in his/her own words.
- Some of your solutions may need to be rewritten. Many times the process of solving a problem is quite messy and disorganized. The process of organizing your solution will help strengthen your understanding.
Homework assignment Grading Scheme:
Two problems from each homework will be selected and graded in detail, for a maximum of 3 points each. The overall homework will be worth 4 points, for a total of 10 possible points per homework. The points will be given as follows:
For the problems graded in detail:
3: The answer is clear and correct, with explanations, labels, etc.
2: The answer has some errors or omissions.
1: The answer was given without reason
0: There was no attempt to solve the problem
For the overall homework: Each of the above guidelines for homework assignments will earn you half a point.
Late homework will be accepted for a maximum of half credit.
Back to Math 50
Comments: pmyers@acusd.edu