Comments on: Facebook Scandal

By: Stephanie Z

Stephanie Z — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 13:41:27 +0000

Yeesh. Are the professor’s teaching methods also being examined?The most successful physics class I’ve ever taken was Advanced Physics in high school, where every problem was worked through collectively in class. We were on our own for tests, but the purpose of lecture was to take what we were learning and figure out how it applied. That class produced a ridiculous number of physics majors. (Thank you, Mr. Bauer.)I’m not sure what this class is meant to produce. I don’t think it’s deep understanding of the material or the scientific process. Maybe a sense of relief when it’s over? After all, you’ve got to weed out those students who weren’t born with what it takes to be a scientist. How else will we get good scientists?

By: Propter Doc

Propter Doc — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 20:39:17 +0000

Working in an istitute that values collaborative problem based learning techniques (above all others), I find this incredible. If students were exchanging homework answers (and one could infer exchanging midterm or other exam information to classmates who missed the test), then there is a problem with the students in question, not the student who attempted to create a community to facilitate better learning.I’d be curious to know if this university uses other interactive web environments for teaching.

By: joemac

joemac — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 20:31:34 +0000

Before widespread internet access, my students had study groups, and I encouraged this. I hope they still get together to work out problems

By: Coturnix

Coturnix — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 19:35:49 +0000

Excuse me? And how is one supposed to learn? By reading a textbook?