Problem set explained

A problem set, sometimes shortened as pset,[1] is a teaching tool used by many universities. Most courses in physics, math, engineering, chemistry, and computer science will give problem sets on a regular basis.[2] They can also appear in other subjects, such as economics.

It is essentially a list of several mildly difficult problems or exercises based on material already taught, which the student is expected to solve with a full written solution. There is no further research involved, and the goal is to learn and become familiar with the material and solving typical problems.[3] [4] They are usually issued once every week or two weeks, and due one or two weeks later.[4] If used as part of a summative assessment they are usually given a low weight, between 10% and 25% of the total mark of the course for all problem sets put together,[3] and sometimes will count for nothing if the student receives a better grade on the exam. Alternatively, problem sets may be used purely for formative assessment and do not count towards a degree.

Many students work in groups to solve them and help get a better understanding of the material, but most professors require each student to hand in their own individual problem set. Some professors explicitly encourage collaboration,[5] some allow it, and some explicitly disallow it[3] or consider it cheating. Most, however, do not disallow collaboration, because they see the goal as primarily pedagogical.[6] This is to be distinguished from larger, more important assignments, for which students are still expected to work independently.

Collaboration on problem sets has caused controversy, including a media storm around a student of Toronto Metropolitan University, Chris Avenir, who started a forum on the social networking site Facebook for others to post their solutions.[6] [7] The professor failed him for his actions and recommended him for expulsion; the university faculty appeal committee overturned the recommended penalty and instead gave a zero grade for the assignments that were done through the course of the semester.[8]

Examples

A list of all of the problem sets from that class, on MIT OpenCourseWare. In this case they are collectively worth 20% of the total mark.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The Process of Psetting.
  2. Book: Curzan, Anne. First Day to Final Grade: A Graduate Student's Guide to Teaching. Lisa Damour. 2006. University of Michigan Press. 0-472-03188-0. 65–66. Anne Curzan. Lisa Damour.
  3. http://rabi.phys.virginia.edu/105/2006/policy.html Course Policy for a physics course at the University of Virginia
  4. http://www.its.caltech.edu/~ajw/ph12b/ Caltech quantum mechanics course page
  5. http://healy.econ.ohio-state.edu/syllabi/0708_808.pdf Ohio State University economics syllabus
  6. Web site: Ryerson student cheered at expulsion hearing . James Bradshaw . . March 12, 2008 . June 10, 2008 .
  7. Web site: Student faces Facebook consequences . Louise Brown . . March 6, 2008 . June 10, 2008 .
  8. Web site: T.O. student won't be expelled over Facebook group . . March 18, 2008 . June 10, 2008 .