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In another thread, alec_tronn posted
My basic reaction: Write a term paper for a calc 3 class?? My first and continued impression is that this requirement is just shovel work. It hinders rather than aids mathematical education. The time taken to write the paper is time not taken to learn essential mathematical skills. The requirement also hinders rather than aids teaching communications skills. The grader (a math professor) most likely does not know how to write well himself. (The evidence is piled in front of me in the form of technical journals.)
alec_tronn said:I am required to write a term paper for my Calc. 3 class about what calculus has been about thus far. ...
My basic reaction: Write a term paper for a calc 3 class?? My first and continued impression is that this requirement is just shovel work. It hinders rather than aids mathematical education. The time taken to write the paper is time not taken to learn essential mathematical skills. The requirement also hinders rather than aids teaching communications skills. The grader (a math professor) most likely does not know how to write well himself. (The evidence is piled in front of me in the form of technical journals.)