Description of Problem Sets for Multivariable Calculus
Spring 2018, Math 236

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In this class you need to:

• master new techniques
• apply those techniques to solving new problems
• explore complex concepts
• continue to improve at writing clear, organized, convincing mathematics

In order to balance all of these needs in a reasonable manner, you will have brief daily assignments practicing the section just covered, and more substantial and more substantive weekly problem sets.

The daily assignments will be done through WeBWorK; you will get instant feedback on how you've done on each problem.

The weekly problem sets will consist of two types of problems: WeBWorK problems, on which you can get immediate feedback, and for which you will not write any formal solution, and problems (usually from your textbook) that you will turn in, following the Guidelines for Homework Presentation. (Incidentally, this will also allow me to grade a larger proportion of your handwritten problems than I was able to before WeBWorK.)

• When you look at the weekly problem sets, you will see that each problem set consists of WeBWorK exercises, and a list of exercises (usually) from your textbook
• The homework is due at the 4pm each Tuesday
• Work on the exercises through the week. I collect them only once a week to allow some flexibility in your schedule, but the material reflects a week's worth of learning, and the length reflects a week's worth of work. Saving them up for the day before the problem set is due will both mean that you are getting less out of the intervening classes and will make for an unpleasant Tuesday.
• Each week, be sure to check the current assignments on the web as they are likely to be adjusted as our syllabus shifts somewhat.
• You may consult with other people in the class on problems, under the following conditions:
  • You each must work on every problem — do not divide the problems amongst you. (See the last page of the course policies, on the Honor Code)
  • What you turn in must reflect your own understanding, word choice, and work. (See the last page of the course policies, on the Honor Code.) If two people turn in solutions that I consider to be too similar, I will return the problem set ungraded, giving each a chance to rewrite. If this occurs more than once, such problem sets will earn 0s
  • You must cite the people you work with, either at the beginning of the problem set or on individual problems. (Please note that this includes citing a tutor or other "expert", if you work with one.)
• There may sometimes be links to supplementary exercises - please don't forget to work on 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, and we can go at your pace.
• I will grade some of the handwritten problems for both the quality of the explanation (clarity, organization, and convincingness) and for mathematical correctness. Follow the Guidelines for Homework Presentation when you're writing them up, including being sure to recopy them. Each of these will graded out of 5 or 10 points.

  For the rest of the handwritten exercises, I will just give a few points reflecting whether or not you did them and wrote them up neatly. Thus the overall grade will reflect both effort and understanding.

Janice Sklensky
Wheaton College
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
SC 1306
Norton, Massachusetts 02766-0930
TEL (508) 286-3973
FAX (508) 285-8278
sklensky_janice@wheatoncollege.edu