Homework Policy for IEOR 4701,
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.
Schedule:
Homework will typically be assigned each class day (once every other class), with the intent that it be completed and submitted
before class on the next class day. (In a usual semester course, there would be two classes per week, one homework assignment per week, and a full week to do each assignment. Time is being compressed here; this course is going twice as fast.)
That homework will be discussed in the recitation session on the day before the class at which
it is to be completed. (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 help provide you additional help. The TA 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 Teaching Assistants during their office hours. Or make an appointment with them.
You should not try to learn too much all at once right before the exams.
You should not be 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 stated, the homework is being counted as 30% of the total grade.
However, it suffices to provide a superior performance on exams. In that case, homework submission will not be required.
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, partial (half or less) credit will be given for homework that is turned in late,
with less credit given the later it is submitted. But it is much better late than never.
Solutions:
As stated above, we will provide solutions to all the assigned homework shortly after it is submitted. It will be posted on the course web page.