Homework Policy for IEOR 3106,
Homework Policy
Importance:
The course is largely about problem solving (in the domain of probability
models). Thus the homework is the core of the course. Doing the homework is the way to master the material.
The exams will be like the homework. The lectures will often be like the homework.
Anyone who diligently and consistently does the homework, and does so accurately (even getting help from the solutions on about half the problems),
should be in good shape for the exams. On the other hand, except for the occasional
genius, not doing the homework is asking for failure.
Schedule:
Homework will typically be assigned each Tuesday, with the intent that it be completed and submitted
in class on Tuesday one week later.
That homework will be discussed in the recitation session on Sunday 4:00-6:00pm before the Tuesday
it is to be completed. That means that the TA will show you how to do all the problems.
To receive benefit from the recitation, the homework should be seriously attempted before
attending the recitation. Trying yourself first is essential to learning. But you are likely to be wasting your time if you work
too long after getting stuck. After you have tried hard, you will be prepared to learn when you hear the solution.
Do not be afraid to ask for help.
The weekly recitation sessions are provided to give you additional help. The TA's and grader
will have extra office hours as well. You are responsible for determining whether or not you need this assistance.
Experience indicates that most students can benefit greatly from attending the recitation sessions.
Good Approach:
A good approach to the course is to work consistently, not getting behind.
You should try to understand how to do the homework
by the time it is turned in.
First, you should try to do it yourself, possible working together in a small group, so that you can discuss each problem after
you have worked on it. Second, you should go to the recitation if you still do not
understand or if your understanding is somewhat shaky.
Third, if you have any doubts,
you should look at the solutions, which will be posted on the web page right after the due date, and confirm that you are correct in your thinking about the problems
you think you were able to do, and to find out how to do the problems you could not do.
Finally, if that is not sufficient,
then you should seek personal help, right away, by visiting the Course Assistants during their office hours.
You should not try to learn too much all at once right before the exams.
If at all possible, you should avoid studying excessively right before the exams. Being rested and thinking clearly is important when you are taking exams.
Collaboration and Assistance:
Students are encouraged to
collaborate with other students on the homework.
Indeed it can be a good learning experience
to work together with other people.
Nevertheless, each student is expected to submit a
separate homework.
Grading:
The homework will be collected and graded. As explained in the section on grading, the homework is being counted as one of the five parts in computing the final numerical grade. Thus, it could count 25% (1/4) of the final grade.
The main requirement for the homework is doing it and turning it in on time; otherwise grading of homework will be lax.
There will be two midterm exams, so that you will get early feedback on your performance,
and so that you will have the opportunity to right yourself if you overestimate how well you are learning the material.
Late Homework:
Students
are expected to turn in the homework when due (when it is to be collected), which is at the
beginning of class on the stipulated day. Submission of homework in a timely manner is a demonstration
that the student is actively participating in the course. However, some partial credit will be given for homework that is turned in late,
with less credit given the later it is submitted.
Solutions:
As stated above, we will provide solutions to all the assigned homework shortly after it is submitted. Solutions will be posted on the course web page.