In addition to regularly assigned homework problems which will not be collected but upon which unannounced quizzes may be based, there will be several "special" problems, generally collected once a week. Actually the problem itself isn't special but your presentation of it will be. For this problem you should focus not only on solving it but on noticing how you solve it. Keep notes, while you are working on the problem, of anything that presents a block, any false starts, what makes you think of trying a certain approach, and whether and why (if possible) that strategy works or does not work. When you are finished working the problem (or alternatively, if you are convinced you will not be able to solve the problem) write a narrative telling the story, in detail, of the process you went through to reach that point. Your audience for this narrative is another student in the class, not a particular student but assume this student is confused by the problem and how you solved it, or that the student has not yet tried to solve this particular problem.

The purposes of these assignments are:

1. To enable you to recognize, and remember, strategies that are successful and those that are not.

2. To help you to develop your own approach to problem solving, one that works for you.

3. To help me to understand the problems you are having and to develop ways to assist you in learning the material and acquiring the skills this course is designed to teach you.

4. To provide a mechanism for you to share your insights with the rest of the class. You can learn from each other as well as from me. It may be that the approach another student takes may be more instructive, for you, than the one I take.

Math is not a spectator sport! You must practice in order to learn. Homework will be assigned after every class, in general the (regular problems) homework is all of the odd problems in the sections covered, however, at times you may need to work more of the problems. You are encouraged to work together, make use of the tutors and see me outside of class if you are having any trouble. I caution you, however, to remember that on the tests and quizzes you will be required to work alone. The ability to watch and understand while someone else solves a problem is not the same as the ability to do it yourself. Make sure you work enough problems yourself. Regular problems will not be collected. Enough problems should be worked in class (see entry slip assignment) so that students will be able to check their understanding of concepts. If this is not the case for you, please make use of office hours!!