Date:         Thu, 20 Apr 2000 23:03:55 -0400
Reply-To:     CS92-L List <CS92-L@LISTSERV.BROWN.EDU>
Sender:       CS92-L List <CS92-L@LISTSERV.BROWN.EDU>
From:         Roger Blumberg <rbb@CS.BROWN.EDU>
Subject:      CS92: optional assignment
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii


Hi Everyone,


I enjoyed today's discussion and, as I mentioned, it was the last on
assigned readings that we'll have this semester. I've been pleased
with the presentations and discussions throughout the term, though
I know that not everyone was able to do a presentation and of course
not everyone participated often in the discussions. Motivated by a
desire to hear from some of you who haven't participated very
much, and by someone's midterm evaluation remark that I should offer
students who don't find the seminar format congenial other
outlets for participation, I offer an additional assignment. It
is *strictly* optional; I recommend it to those of you who are
worried about your class participation grade (because it will give
me an idea of what you have been thinking about this semester),
and I hope you all will consider doing it if it peaks your
interest (or curiosity); but it really is optional. Here is
the exercise:


Suppose that in addition to the software project, CS92 included a
three-hour written final exam designed to assess your understanding
of, and thoughts about, the readings that were assigned and the
the discussions we've had this semester. The assignment is to
compose an excellent final exam for this purpose, where by
"excellent" I mean that the exam should at least:


1. give students an opportunity to reflect on and make connections
between the readings and discussions and be (in your mind) a fair
assessment of students' coverage and understanding of the topics
we've read about and discussed;


2. be interesting enough that you wouldn't mind taking the exam
and challenging enough that you would have to study/review for
it; and


3. be the sort of exam that, were you teaching the course (and
had you assigned such readings, etc.), you would be anxious to
read, comment on, and (perhaps) grade.


That's it. On the one hand it's quite an ambitious spec., but on the
other hand you don't have to *take* the exam. If you decide to do
this assignment, it is due by noon on Monday, May 8th. If you have
any questions about the assignment or would just like to talk about
it, please don't hesitate to send me mail, call or stop by my office.


Thanks,


Roger

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