Midterm evaluations, Fall 2008 Math21a

Thanks for filling out our internal midterm evaluations. Here is a summary:

Textbook:

Summary: Looks still ok.

Quotes: Good reference. Good examples.

What we will do about it: Still reduce prize, a more comprehensive appendix with review of single variable. Sometimes more details.

Hourly:

Summary: Was in general considered challenging. Many were not able to finish the exam in time.

Honorable quotes: "Was pressed on time!" "Keep the practice exams coming!"

What we will do about it: The final will be less time pressured. Continue to work hard on practice tests.

Homework:

Summary: Difficulty level ok. Some say they should be similar to exam problems. Others say the exams are graded harshly.

Honorable quote "I sometimes feel like I'm thrown a curve ball that I was not prepared for".

What we will do about it: Exam problems are in general of a different type than homework problem. Homework problems can be more computationally intense, contain concepts from other sciences like biology, economics or physics, which we do not want in exams. Harsher grading will not matter since we will smooth out differences in different sections at the end.

Lectures:

Summary: Sections are taught in general effective to very effective. Some mention the examples not to be too close to the book. Others think the pace is fast.

Honorable quote: "Some more concrete examples would be helpful".

What we will do about it: work on better examples.

Website:

Summary: The website is considered well organized.

Honoroable quote:

"More info on how to use Mathematica, please!"

What we will do about it:

MQC

Summary: Those who go seem to like it.
The room should be larger. Crowded! Honorable quote: "A great resource." "Too packed!"

What we will do about it: Find better rooms and hopefully get a good long term solution with a large room.

Problem sessions

Summary Those who go, like it. But not enough seem to make use of it.

Honorable quotes: Does not fit my schedule.

What we will do about it: Make sure everybody knows that all problem sessions are open to all. If one time does not work, chose an other one.