Guidelines for Exercise Assignments

Each time you are asked to work an assigned exercise, focus not only on solving the problem, but also on how you solve the
problem. While you are working on the problem, keep notes on any difficulties you faced, false starts you made, and what led
you to trying the approach you used. If you are able to solve the problem, clearly state your conclusion and explain why you
think your approach works. If you feel you cannot solve the problem, describe in detail the process you used in attempting to
find a solution. In either case, write a complete narrative telling the story of your attempt, successful or not, to solve the
problem. Pretend that you are writing the narrative for another student who is confused by the problem and would
like to know how you solved it.

Each assignment you submit must be enclosed in a cover sheet employing a prescribed format.  Information on
"The Prescribed Format for Assignment Cover Sheets" can be found by following one of the following links.

The Prescribed Format for Assignment Cover Sheets (Internet Explorer)

Guidelines for Interpreting Grades on Written Work

5, Excellent. Your responses to the assigned exercises/problems are correct and complete and you have clearly and correctly
communicated the processes and techniques used to solve the exercises/problems. The paper is neat, attractive, easy to read,

well-organized and consistent with principles of good style.  Also, you have included appropriate diagrams, identified all

variables introduced, and clearly stated, and verified, your conclusions.

4, Good. Your responses are reasonably correct and complete and your explanations of the processes and techniques used are
fairly clear. However, some aspect(s) the paper may not be as complete, correct, clear, neat, or well organized as possible.

3, Satisfactory. Some of your responses may not be complete in some aspect, or have some errors, or lack clarity or
supporting evidence. However, you do seem to understand most aspects of the assignment and posses most of the skills
necessary to complete the assignment.  Perhaps your work is not as neat and well organized as it should be.

2, Needs Improvement. Your responses are incomplete, unclear, lacking in style, or some major errors exist.

1, Unsatisfactory.  You have not completed the assignment in a manner consistent with the guidelines.  However, it looks like
you have tried to do some of the assigned exercises.

0, Unsatisfactory.  Does not meet minimum acceptable standards for evaluation.  Paper not evaluated.

After reading the guidelines above, if you have concerns or questions regarding the way your papers are evaluated, please see some samples of students' solutions that are posted on the course web site or see your instructor during his office hours.  (Do not try to have discussions regarding grading either just before or just after class in the classroom.  Have those discussions when proper consideration can be given to your concerns or questions.)