Statistics
I looked on blackboard today to see if any of my classes were showing up yet, and one was. Statstics.
First of all, that word is just really hard to say! I get all tongue tied. My mom likes to call it "sadistics" like it is evil...I suppose that is how you'd spell it. So, that kinda freaks me out.
I downloaded the syllabus to check that out, a few things seem a little strange.
Under course materials it lists things that are required and recommended. One of the things on the required list is a large eraser...and on the recommended list is the text book. That just seems strange, and the teacher as little faith in us, obviously, if he makes a LARGE eraser required. What defines a large eraser anyway? One of those funny shaped pink erasers we always had in grade school? Or bigger than that? I guess we'll find out next tuesday.
Also, he talks about how grades will be established and writes a little disclaimer type thing, "At the end of the semester, students will add up their respective points to create their course grade. Each student is guaranteed at least the grade according to the scale below. (90+= A. 80-90= B, etc.) However, the official, final grade is based on "the sole prerogative of the professor" (VT undergraduate handbook)." Does that mean if he doesn't like us he can choose to change the grade if he feels like it?! I just think that is weird. I hope that only works for the better!
For exams we have to bring our VT ID card. I've never had to do that before. Seems the professor is not very trusting. He already mentions above that how the honor code will be strictly followed and anyone caught violating the honor code will immediately fail the class and be prosecuted to the extent of the university's law. And if we forget the ID, which I often accidently leave it in jean pockets and such, we aren't allowed to take the exam!
Though I do think one thing on here is pretty cool. He says students should be on time, and if atleast one student has finished the exam and left the room, they can't take it and will get a zero. I would have never thought of that. Because that student who already finished could take the answers to the late student. Wicked!
Another neat thing is, "Quizzes will be administered based on student performances of the daily spong activity. If the professor feels that the student(s) failed to understand the concepts covered in the activity, a quiz will be administered in the next lecture or over the Blackboard system. At the end of the semester, any unused quiz points will be added to the students' final grade absolutely free..." That seems pretty neat. Let's hope we have a smart class and need to quizzes so we can get all the extra points!
Last thing is at the very bottom of the syllabus, he gives advice, and the last bullet is, "Get a homework partner no matter how smart, shy, quiet, or outgoing you are. Your professor cannot be your homework partner." I hate having partners in any sense. I can work with people, but I'd rather do my own work on my own, so that is kind of lame. I told Kevin he'd be my homework partner, since Kevin did really well in Statistics. The professor never said it had to be someone in the class! :)
Sorry about all that, but I'm bored and wanted to discuss some of those things! :)
~Taylor!~
To make up for it, here is a FOUND!:
