MOOC USSV101x | How to Study for Technical Courses | Making the Most of Problem Sets

Summary

This script emphasizes the importance of problem sets in technical courses as tools for evaluating and enhancing understanding of concepts. It advises students to pre-read problem sets to gauge familiarity with the material, actively seek clarification on stumbling blocks, and identify the concepts being tested. The speaker also recommends creating a master problem set for broader exposure and practicing teaching solutions to others to solidify understanding, ensuring students are well-prepared for exams.

Takeaways

• 📚 Problem sets are essential in technical courses as they are used by professors to evaluate students' understanding and application of concepts.
• 🛠️ Students often view problem sets as busy work, but they should instead see them as tools for learning and practicing skills for exams.
• 👀 Pre-reading problem sets helps to understand the material better and identify familiar and unfamiliar concepts, preparing for focused study.
• 🔍 After attempting problems, identifying 'stumbling blocks' is crucial for learning; understanding mistakes is key to avoiding them on exams.
• 🤔 Actively seeking clarification on problem sets, whether from instructors, classmates, or resources, can enhance understanding and reduce frustration.
• 🗣️ Solving problems out loud or teaching them to others can solidify one's own understanding and prepare for explaining work on exams.
• 🤝 Collaborating with classmates can be beneficial for learning, but it's important to ensure individual problem-solving skills for exams.
• 📈 Creating a 'master problem set' by compiling problems from various sources can expose students to a wide range of potential exam questions.
• 🧠 Identifying the concept being tested in each problem helps in understanding the underlying ideas and prepares for disguised exam questions.
• 📝 Understanding where one's strengths and weaknesses lie is vital, and problem sets provide a pre-test audit of understanding.
• 🚀 Maximizing the use of problem sets can significantly improve comprehension, retention, and overall performance in technical courses.

Q & A

Why are problem sets considered important in technical courses?

Problem sets are important in technical courses because they are used by professors to evaluate students' knowledge and application of concepts, serving as a tool for self-assessment and a preview of exam performance.

What is the common misconception about problem sets among students?

The common misconception is that problem sets are merely busy work to be completed and checked off a list, rather than a valuable learning tool.

What does the speaker recommend doing before actually working on a problem set?

The speaker recommends pre-reading the problem set to get a sense of the types of problems, understand where they fit in the course material, and identify familiar and unfamiliar parts.

Why is it beneficial to pre-read a problem set?

Pre-reading helps students to be prepared, understand the course direction, and recognize what they already know and what they need to learn, making them ready to tackle the problems.

What should students do after completing a problem set?

Students should identify and address any stumbling blocks or mistakes they made, understanding where they went wrong and filling in any gaps in their knowledge.

Why is it a mistake to look up the correct answer immediately after getting a problem wrong?

Looking up the correct answer without understanding the mistake is a missed opportunity for learning, as the same error may be repeated on an exam where the stakes are higher.

What is the danger of pretending to understand when working in a group?

Pretending to understand can hinder personal learning and mislead the group, as admitting confusion allows others the chance to teach and clarify the concept, which can lead to better understanding.

What is the purpose of identifying the concept being tested in each problem?

Identifying the concept being tested helps students understand the approach to solving problems and succeed in providing correct answers, as well as prepare for exams by recognizing the range of possible problems.

Why is seeking clarification considered important when working on problem sets?

Seeking clarification is important to ensure a correct understanding of the material, complete problem sets successfully and timely, and reduce frustration during the homework process.

What is the advantage of solving problems out loud or teaching them to someone else?

Solving problems out loud or teaching them to someone else is a way to determine how well one understands the information and can help solidify one's own knowledge.

What is a 'master problem set' and why is it recommended?

A 'master problem set' is a compilation of problems from various sources including assigned homework, lectures, textbooks, and online resources. It is recommended to broaden exposure to different problem types, making students more prepared for exams by familiarizing them with a wider range of concepts.