Description of Homework for Calculus 1
    Fall 2011, Math 101


    (Last modified: Monday, January 16, 2012, 2:59 PM )



    Calculus is a very conceptual subject - more so, probably, than any previous math course you've taken. Mastering Calculus consists mainly of mastering the ideas, not merely techniques or skills. That being said, there are skills that must be mastered with each new topic, in order to put the ideas to full use. Thus your homework each week will consist of both some problems practicing the new techniques and some problems emphasizing the concepts and putting ideas together. These problems will be divided into two types of homework assignments: WeBWorK and problem sets.


    Other notes on weekly homework:
    • Don't worry -- just because you have two sets of problems due each week does not mean you have twice the homework I would otherwise assign-- the average amount of time spent on homework each week should actually be less than when I have assigned only traditional handwritten problem sets.
    • Make sure to check the assignments on the web each week, as they are likely to be adjusted as our syllabus shifts somewhat.
    • For the individual problem sets, you may consult with other people in the class or work alone. If you choose to work with others, the final result must reflect your own understanding, word choice, and work. See the last couple pages of the course policies, on the Honor Code, for more details.
    • For the group problem sets, work on every problem before your group meets. Do NOT divide the problems up among members ofyour group Again, see the last couple pages of the course policies, on the Honor Code, for more details. Points on the group homework will be based on each person's honest assessment of the effort and contribution made by each member.
    • The final copy of each group problem set should be written by a primary author. On each group problem set, make a note of who the primary author is by putting a star next to that person's name. Although I want the groups to change from week to week, you should be primary author about every other group problem set. Note: The members of a group should contribute equally to each problem. The only extra work the primary author is responsible for is copying over the work the group has already produced.
    • In the problem sets, there may occasionally be links to supplementary exercises - please don't forget to do those.
    • Please come to see me for help! A lot goes on in class, and it would be surprising if you understood everything the first time around. Also, of course, everyone learns differently; in office hours, I can tailor my explanations to you (or at least, to a smaller group).


    Janice Sklensky
    Wheaton College
    Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
    Science Center, Room 327
    Norton, Massachusetts 02766-0930
    TEL (508) 286-3973
    FAX (508) 285-8278
    jsklensk@wheatonma.edu


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