Homework Policy for IEOR 4106,
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.
Help from the TA's:
Except for the special problems (one per assignment, see below), the
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 see 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.
Special "Take-Home-Exam" Problems:
A subset of the homework problems, one from each assignment after the first, will be treated as a take-home examination. The TA's will provide no help on these problems. You are on your honor to do these problems on your own. Each week, the special problem is to be turned in on a separate page (or pages if necessary). These problems will be graded separately, more carefully, just like the exams.
Your total score on these special
problems will count as 1/3 of your total homework grade. For example, if you score 90 on the regular homework and 60 on the special homework, your homework grade for the term is (60 + 90 + 90)/3 = (240/3) = 80. That overall homework grade of 80 then contributes to your total score, as described in the overall grading policy on the main course web page, repeated below.
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 regular homework (except on the special problems).
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. The maximum score for each regular homework will be 10,
and the maximum score for each special problem will be 10.
As stated above, the special problems will be graded separately, carefully, like the exams. On the other hand, the rest of the homework will not be graded carefully. We will be primarily checking that you have done an honest effort on the regular problems. As stated above, the total score on the special problem will count 1/3 of your total homework score. As stated, the homework is being counted as 25% of the total grade (but with the lowest 25% thrown out).
To repeat, here is the overall grading scheme: homework 25%, one-third-term exam 25%, two-thirds-term exam 25%, final exam 2 x 25% = 50%. The lowest 25% is thrown out (not counted when averaging).
Since there will be three exams, 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. Partial (e.g., half) credit will be given for homework that is turned in late.
No partial credit will be given for special problems submitted more than one week late.
Solutions:
As stated above, we will provide solutions to all the regular homework shortly after it is submitted. Solutions to the regular homework will be posted on the course web page.