University of Delaware – Computer and Information Science CIS621 - Homework and Grading Instructions

TA: Vijay (Rangarajan Vijayaraghavan), 114 Smith Office Hours in 115 Purnell: Tue 2-3pm and Thurs 11-12am

1 Homework

1. Each problem must be submitted on a separate sheet of paper. Label each problem with your name, problem number and date. If one problem covers more than one sheet, please staple the sheets together and put your name on each sheet.

2. Be kind to your fellow students. Write legibly and neatly. Avoid excess verbosity. Indicate clearly what you are doing.

3. Late homework will be graded only with the permission of Dr. Saunders.

2 Instructions to Graders

1. Each student will be assigned the responsibility of grading and writing a solution for particular homework problems. This assignment of responsibility will be done one week before the problems are due.

2. Pick up ungraded homework problems after class on the day that they are due.

3. Look over the ungraded problems to get ideas for composing an excellent written solution and to note areas of error which may need to be stressed. If you have more than one solution that is good, include it if you think it is worthwhile.

4. Make an appointment to see the TA (Vijay) within two days after picking up the homework to discuss a first draft of your solution. This first draft should, as nearly as possible, be a full and complete solution. It should not be notes or some ideas you just jotted down. You may have to see Vijay several times before he is satisfied with your solution. In addition, you should, with Vijay, decide roughly how the problem will be graded (see 5a).

5. Grade the problems. Here are a few suggestions:

(a) Try to partition the problem into sections. Note the main ideas or method required in each. Assign a number of points to each section. Decide on a specific basis and grade all the papers in terms of it. It helps to look over most of the solutions before grading the first paper.

(b) How well does the student understand the issues addressed in the problem? Do not penalize too much for careless errors unless they make the answer unreasonable. Also, answers that can be checked easily should be penalized if incorrect.

(c) Give a (+) grade for unusually elegant solutions.

(d) Give yourself a 10 - this grade may be reduced by the instructor if he feels that you have not given the grading the serious attention it requires.

6. No later than one week after picking up the problem you should:

(a) Turn in a list of the grades for that problem (alphabetical order).

(b) Bring the graded problems to class, with a grade (0-10) given on thei front page of each.

(c) Give Vijay the final version (typed) of your problem solution (we will reproduce copies for the entire class). Clearly mark at the top of the first page the number of the problem, as well as your name. If you used all or part of a classmate’s solution, they should be credited.

Grading duties are an essential part of the course. Lateness in submitting grades and solutions will be penalized. If you have any questions about how your homework was graded, do not take the matter up with the student who graded the problem. Instead, discuss it with Vijay. If difficulties persist, then see Dr. Saunders.