| Math (Laetsch) | Homework Writing Policy | |
Homework and (in some courses) projects are an integral part of this
course. The assignments will require you not only to solve
problems, but also to explain your method using clearly
written sentences. Writing in a mathematics course may be
new to you, but it should become natural with practice.
Why write in a mathematics course?
The ability to communicate effectively and to express your
thoughts in a way which can be understood by others is
essential. You should be able to
present your work in a clear and organized fashion. This
will provide you with a deeper understanding of the
concepts. Writing explanations of your solutions will also
allow me to identify concepts which are unclear to you.
Guidelines for Writing in Mathematics:
- Write as if the reader does not already know what you want to
say. Write so that you could understand the solution if someone
else had written it and gave it to you. This assumption will encourage
complete answers. Strive for clarity in your writing. The reader can
only see what you wrote, not what you meant to say.
- Focus on the process and not the final solution. Describe
your thinking. Focus your explanation on why you are doing a certain
step and not on the mechanical process used.
- Use an easy-to-read format. Use complete sentences when
appropriate, write legibly, and organize your work in a logical manner.
Please be sure also to leave room for comments; don't cover the
entire sheet with your writing.
- Avoid vague words like "it". Most problems contain
several quantities. "It" doesn't tell which quantity you are
referring to. The meaning may be clear to you, but may not be to the
reader.
- Define any symbol you used that was not introduced in
the problem.
- Use complete and proper mathematical notation.
Always use units on your answers and label graphs
completely.
Specific Homework Procedures:
- Handwriting must be legible.
- Homework problems will be assigned from both the
textbook and additional
assignment sheets. It is your
responsibility to keep on top of any changes. Selected
problems from each assignment will be graded. In addition,
in class there will be quizzes which will be graded as a
homework assignment.
- You are strongly encouraged to discuss
homework problems with tutors, your classmates, and me.
Remember that the goal of the homework assignments is to
help you learn mathematics!
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Last modified Jan 9, 2008 10:03 AM