Exam Philosophy

Exam Philosophy
Many of you may be confused as to the style and methodology of the exams presented in this course. To that end, let me outline what I am doing and why with regard to my exams. To begin, let me tell you what I do and do not want in the results of an exam.

I do want effort to be rewarded. Those that work hard and become, not only proficient with solving the problems, but with the conceptual understanding of the meaning of the results and how they were obtained, should have the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills.
I do NOT wish to be required to select material limited by the exam time. Very often, professors may write an exam selecting material they deem most important. Other material is often left out due to time constraints. The result is that many times students study some material that is not offered on the exam and are asked questions for which they have not adequately prepared. Thus they are not able to demonstrate their knowledge as the questions relating to that knowledge are not offered.
I do NOT want there to be a practical ceiling on the points one can obtain on an exam. If one is exceptionally prepared and knowledgeable, I do not wish that they answer all the questions and have more knowledge to offer as demonstration.
I do want to encourage problem solving skills that include analytical and numerical solutions. I also want conceptual knowledge to go along with those skills. In order to grant a high score, I wish that both areas be demonstrated.

It is for these reasons and others that I write the exams in the manner that I do. I attempt to include as much of the material that has been covered in lecture on the exams. This allows students to go to the questions that they know how to solve first and in doing so, allows me to see what material was grasped best. I also avoid the problem that occurs from time to time where a student is proficient in some material that is not asked for on the exam. On my exams, you should be able to find a question for any material that you know well. The result is an exam that has more problems than one can possibly complete in the time allowed.

I include practical math and computer skill problems, those that require mechanically solving problems. In addition, I include conceptual questions related to those problems. To do well on the exam, one must be proficient in both areas.

Exam Strategy and Assessment of Results:
With all that I’ve outlined, the student may now develop a strategy for taking the exams. The objective of the exam taker is to answer the questions that can be answered most easily and for which you have the greatest knowledge first. If you must work through a question that will take time, consider moving on and coming back to that question. This decision should also be weighed against the fact that more difficult questions are generally worth higher point values.

When evaluating your performance results and scores, keep in mind that my intent is to write the exam such that it fits within my grading curve. That puts the student performing at an average level at a score of 62.5, or a middle-C range. The scores placed on the exam are evaluated in this way. Thus, even though there may be many points in excess of 100 available, your score will always be given based on 100 possible. So, for example, if you obtain 75 out of 160 possible points, you have performed above the average and are in the “B” grade range. The points available are there for you to choose from. It is not possible to complete the entire exam. This also means that if you are very proficient and knowledgeable, it is possible for you to achieve greater than 100% on any given exam. Any score greater than 85, my threshold for an “A” grade can be considered to be excellent work regardless of the points that were available.

I hope that you understand that this strategy is to your advantage. You have no practical limit on your ability to demonstrate your knowledge and skill. If you work harder and learn more, then the exam will provide you the opportunity to get the credit you deserve.

Dr. J