Group tests give you the opportunity to first try challenging problems yourself and then discuss them with your classmates. While you do need to study for these exams, they are not meant to be high-stress learning experiences. Rather, they allow you to work with your peers to improve your critical reading, analytic thinking, and problem solving skills. They also give you valuable practice verbalizing mathematical ideas. The following outlines the process of taking a group test and how they will be graded.
To prepare for the group exam you should make sure you fully understand all the material presented in class. You should also review your old homework assignments and go over the problems you found challenging.
Each student will prepare a page of notes (8x11, one-sided) that they will bring with them to class. This page of notes demonstrates to both your group, and to me, that you are prepared to contribute to the group exam. It also serves as a study guide, outlining and organizing important concepts. You may refer to this page of notes during the exam. You will turn it in with your exam at the end of the class period.
On the day of the exam you will sit with your group. Each member of the group will be given a different set of questions to answer. You are responsible for answering your questions and proof-reading the answers of your group members. Usually the first 10-20 minutes are spent quietly working on your individual problems. The remaining class time is spent discussing your problems with your group and proof-reading solutions. At the end of the exam, group members should know how to do the problems on all three exams.
Each exam is worth 50 points - 40 for the problems you answered, and 10 for proof-reading the solutions of your group members.
The 10 points of proof-reading can be lost if one of your group members makes a mistake you should have caught. You will loose half the points they lost for making the mistake, up to a maximum of 10 points.
You should be able to catch conceptual and algebraic mistakes. You will NOT loose points if your group member simply does not know how to do the problem and leaves it blank. Your group should try to solve the problem together, but everyone needs to pull their own weight.
You will loose points if you don't turn in your page of notes with the exam.
I will assign you to groups of two or three based on your preparedness for the previous group exam (as gauged by your page of notes and performance). These groups will be announced in class, either on the day of the exam, or during the previous class meeting.
Be thoughtful and respectful in your comments to your group members. If you observe a problem with their solution, point it out politely and discuss it with your group. You may not write on another group members exam, but you may discuss verbally their problem and offer them help.
Unlike other disciplines, if a mathematical argument is clearly explained and justified its accuracy should be relatively easy to determine. If there is a disagreement about whether a given answer or argument is correct it's a sign that either there is an error, or it hasn't been properly explained/justified. If you cannot come to an agreement, you can draw a line in the margin of the exam showing the part of your group member's work you do not agree with. However, if they are correct and their work is properly explained, you will lose points for not recognizing the accuracy of their work.
“Liked the ability to work with classmates to improve our understanding.”
“They were funnish, all with the exam buzz.”
“Don’t blow them off! They may seem like they’ll be easier because you have people to help you, but they are harder questions than would be on the midterms.”
“Prepare for a group exam just as you would for any other exam. The problems aren’t necessarily easier, but you have longer to do them; collaboration however can be difficult.”
“Prepare for them just like a midterm. You’ll do better and your classmates will like you more.”
“Always prepare but don’t feel nervous. Group exams are a good way to learn.”