Our first exam will take place during class on Thursday, 9/30/21.

Exam Date: Tuesday 9/30/21
Exam Time: During class, 4:05-4:45pm
Where will I take the exam? You will log into our usual zoom class meeting to take the exam.
Review: The review sheet is posted here (solutions can be found following the problems on the review sheet).

As you know, distance learning has presented serious challenges (and also some benefits – e.g. you can attend class in your pajamas), one of which is the practical logistics of taking exams. I wanted to share with you some details about the structure and policies of our first exam.

Exam #1 Policies

Exam #1 will be open book and open notes. You may use any notes you have taken for this class, any materials that appear on our OpenLab course site, and the textbook. You may use a scientific or graphing calculator during the exam if you wish (although I do not believe it will be necessary).

You may not consult Google, or any problem solving websites or apps during a test. This includes anything where you plug in the question and it spits out an answer and/or step-by-step solutions.

You may not work with anyone else during a test. This includes any communication with another person, including your classmates, friends, or others, by message, text, voice, or other means.

The written exam must be completed and uploaded during the exam class period.

The exam will consist of two parts:

  • Part 1 will be written, and completed during class. You will complete this part on paper and upload your work in .pdf format. Detailed instructions will be provided on the day of the exam.
  • Part 2 will consist of a short one-on-one meeting with your professor on Friday or Saturday (following the exam) – we will go over parts of your written exam together, and I will ask you questions or have you explain some of the problems. Click here to schedule your one-on-one meeting – PLEASE CHOOSE A TIME ON FRIDAY OR SATURDAY!

Here are some common concerns about giving exams in a distance-learning environment:

  • Students may have access to course materials (notes, textbook, etc) during the exam.
  • Students may have access to technology during the exam, including Google and various step-by-step problem-solving sites & apps.
  • Students may be able to communicate with one another or others during the exam.

Here are some of the strategies that might be used to address these concerns:

  • Allow course materials to be used during the exam (i.e. “open book” exams).
  • Be clear and explicit about what resources may and may not be used, and communicate the relevant penalties. Extend trust to your students.
  • Design problems that defy easy Googling and major problem-solving apps (this is also a challenge!).
  • Focus on explanation, written and verbal, as opposed to simple completion of problem steps.
  • Use multiple versions of the exam.