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.