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View Poll Results: Ideal Course Structure
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1 mid-term, 1 final, 1 major assignment/report
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10 |
18.52% |
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Regular weekly or bi-weekly mini assignments, a bigger final paper, and a final exam
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8 |
14.81% |
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Frequent exams/tests (approx. every 3-4 weeks) but no assignments
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24 |
44.44% |
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3-4 major assignments and no exam
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12 |
22.22% |
10-17-2008 at 10:49 PM
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#1
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Ideal Course Setup
This is something that I often debate with myself and others. In particular, the poll was sparked by Lorenz and her post about only having 1 exam.
***PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS FOR A 3 UNIT COURSE (1 SEMESTER ONLY)***
Last edited by Goce : 10-17-2008 at 10:55 PM.
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10-17-2008 at 11:39 PM
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#2
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i like having frequents tests because it seems to reinforce my knowledge, and i get a chance to evaluate my progress.
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10-18-2008 at 09:40 AM
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#3
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MacInsiders VP
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I actually really don't see the point of exams for a lot of my courses (I'm in English and Indigenous Studies, and have a degree in Anthro and Cultural Studies) because all it is testing is my ability to memorize.
In English and CSCT there is a potential for us to apply theories to other works...but because this is the undergraduate level they don't think we're able to do so. You can if you write a thesis but that's really the only time (of course this is dependent on your prof and how they choose essay topics for you).
I'm just really frustrated by the undergraduate process in general.
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McMaster Combined Honours Cultural Studies & Critical Theory and Anthropology: 2008
McMaster Honours English with a minor in Indigenous Studies: 2010
Carleton University Masters of Arts in Canadian Studies: 2012 (expected)
We are people of this generation, bred in at least modest comfort, housed in universities, looking uncomfortably into the world we inherit. -- Port Huron Statement
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10-18-2008 at 10:19 AM
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#4
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i like it the way it is in engineering..some small quizzes, 2 big tests and a final exam..its a bit tough but u manage your time properly (aka no cramming) it can be done..
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10-18-2008 at 01:25 PM
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#5
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Though I picked the first option of 1 midterm, 1 final assignment, and 1 final exam, the prospect of having a few tests and no weekly assignments is intriguing. I have never had such a setup, but no doubt it would allow me to truly reinforce knowledge.
It would be interesting to note how many chose their current setup as the one they prefer.
I am also frustrated with the way things are done, especially the politics of grading.
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10-18-2008 at 04:12 PM
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#6
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MacInsiders Staff
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Lorend and I were discussing this earlier this morning... we both feel that midterms and exams are pointless. They don't test you on your knowledge, they test you on your ability to retain information and spit it back out. Most people tend to forget what they memorized within months of having done it. In my opinion, an essay/assignment or a pop quiz reflects what you know and where your skills lie better than a final or a midterm.
On that note... I'll get back to studying for my midterms...
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Sabrina Bradey
Hon. Classical History and English Language and Literature
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10-19-2008 at 09:29 AM
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#7
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stupid midterms...grrr.
__________________
McMaster Combined Honours Cultural Studies & Critical Theory and Anthropology: 2008
McMaster Honours English with a minor in Indigenous Studies: 2010
Carleton University Masters of Arts in Canadian Studies: 2012 (expected)
We are people of this generation, bred in at least modest comfort, housed in universities, looking uncomfortably into the world we inherit. -- Port Huron Statement
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10-19-2008 at 10:43 AM
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#8
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For the sciences, I feel that tests are pivotal. For us, the do not test our ability to spew out knowlege but test us on how well we understand the topic and are able to reproduce the idea on another type of question (PS i'm thinking more the math end of things).
The questions we get are not always just "apply the ____ formula to ____" or whatever. They're often placed in different contexts and we have to determine which is the best theory to apply.
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10-19-2008 at 10:06 PM
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#9
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3-4 Assignments and No Exam is definately the way to go..No matter what faculty it is...
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10-20-2008 at 03:55 AM
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#10
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no way man! I hate ass'ments! everyone has a different learning style and I'd ditto Goce and say that tests are best for me because then I can keep myself up to date and on track and always double-check if what I know is all right and good.
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