Problem set

A problem set, sometimes shortened as pset,{{Cite web|url=https://mitadmissions.org/blogs/entry/the-process-of-psetting/|title = The Process of Psetting}} is a teaching tool used by many universities. Most courses in physics, math, engineering, chemistry, and computer science will give problem sets on a regular basis.{{cite book|last=Curzan|first=Anne|title=First Day to Final Grade: A Graduate Student's Guide to Teaching|author2=Lisa Damour|date=2006|publisher=University of Michigan Press|isbn=0-472-03188-0|pages=65–66|author-link=Anne Curzan|author-link2=Lisa Damour}} They can also appear in other subjects, such as economics.

It is essentially a list of several mildly difficult problems or exercises based on material already taught, which the student is expected to solve with a full written solution. There is no further research involved, and the goal is to learn and become familiar with the material and solving typical problems.[http://rabi.phys.virginia.edu/105/2006/policy.html Course Policy for a physics course at the University of Virginia] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213135128/http://rabi.phys.virginia.edu/105/2006/policy.html |date=2007-12-13 }}[http://www.its.caltech.edu/~ajw/ph12b/ Caltech quantum mechanics course page] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628034230/http://www.its.caltech.edu/~ajw/ph12b/ |date=2008-06-28 }} They are usually issued once every week or two weeks, and due one or two weeks later. If used as part of a summative assessment they are usually given a low weight, between 10% and 25% of the total mark of the course for all problem sets put together, and sometimes will count for nothing if the student receives a better grade on the exam. Alternatively, problem sets may be used purely for formative assessment and do not count towards a degree.

Many students work in groups to solve them and help get a better understanding of the material, but most professors require each student to hand in their own individual problem set. Some professors explicitly encourage collaboration,[http://healy.econ.ohio-state.edu/syllabi/0708_808.pdf Ohio State University economics syllabus] some allow it, and some explicitly disallow it or consider it cheating. Most, however, do not disallow collaboration, because they see the goal as primarily pedagogical.{{cite web | title = Ryerson student cheered at expulsion hearing | url = https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080311.wfacebook_cheating0311/BNStory/PersonalTech | author = James Bradshaw | publisher = The Globe and Mail | date = March 12, 2008 | access-date = June 10, 2008 }} This is to be distinguished from larger, more important assignments, for which students are still expected to work independently.

Collaboration on problem sets has caused controversy, including a media storm around a student of Toronto Metropolitan University, Chris Avenir, who started a forum on the social networking site Facebook for others to post their solutions.{{cite web | title = Student faces Facebook consequences | url = https://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/309855 | author = Louise Brown | publisher = Toronto Star | date = March 6, 2008 | access-date = June 10, 2008 }} The professor failed him for his actions and recommended him for expulsion; the university faculty appeal committee overturned the recommended penalty and instead gave a zero grade for the assignments that were done through the course of the semester.{{cite web | title = T.O. student won't be expelled over Facebook group | url = https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/t-o-student-won-t-be-expelled-over-facebook-group-1.283591 | publisher = CTV News | date = March 18, 2008 | access-date = June 10, 2008 }}