[Edu-sig] assigning homework

[Jim Harrison]

on 9/6/01 9:25 PM, Timothy Wilson at wilson@visi.com wrote:

> I'd like to get some ideas and opinions about homework assignments and
> projects. It is obviously difficult to prevent students from looking at one
> another's code when working on projects. My inclination is to assume that
> they will and try to structure my programming assignments so that group work
> is encouraged instead of forbidden. I prefer a cooperative arrangement
> anyway.

Our course is being taught at the graduate level, so somewhat different
considerations apply. However, we do assign homework (on a weekly basis).
The homework is submitted to the instructors as text or .py files and is
required to be extensively commented. The function and strategy of each
section of code must be described in the student's own words. Thus the
homework assignments are sort of a combination of programming projects and
discussion questions.

We're early at this--the first time through the course--and the initial
assignment is due next Monday by 5 pm. The assignments and discussion are
available at <http://jhh.cbmi.upmc.edu/pop/>. We're anticipating an
interesting weekend. :-)

Jim
________________________________________________________________________
James H. Harrison, Jr., MD, PhD  <mailto:jhrsn@pitt.edu>
Associate Director of Pathology Informatics, Department of Pathology
CLSI 5807-MT, 200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582
voice: 412-647-5529 | fax: 412-647-5934

Faculty Member in Residence, Center for Biomedical Informatics
University of Pittsburgh
Suite 8084 Forbes Tower
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582
voice: 412-647-7113 | fax: 412-647-7190

"If you want sense, you'll have to make it yourself!!"-Norton Juster
________________________________________________________________________