From Quizzes to Assignments....

In the first term, we used to have atleast 8 - 10 quizzes in the whole term. Which means 4-5 quizzes pre-mid term and 4-5 post mid term. So, right from 3rd week onwards we had some quiz. This means we were studying for quizzes from 3rd week and goes on till 5th week. After 5th week, we had mid-term exams, resulting in a 3 continuous weeks of love with books. Of all the quizzes, I used to write one quiz properly and that too it must be an easy paper. I never used to concentrate on quizzes.

In fifth term, till now I have written only one quiz. From next week onwards our mid-terms are starting. Effectively the quizzes count drastically reduced by 80%. Then how these marks are compensated? We are now given enough assignments to compensate the quizzes. Its a tradition that is being followed and not new for our batch. Why is such a tradition required? Because of simple reason - we have become lazy. :) . Yeah, people dont want to open books now. In my case, almost 4 weeks are over and I am yet to open a text book. I read only one subject till now just because I am afraid of that prof and I accept that I am afraid.

What is the advantage of assignments? Most of the times, assignments are group tasks. So what?

Group tasks are just for name sake because group tasks are done by an individual in the group, the so called hard worker. One thing that I can see clearly these days is that the count of free riders have drastically increased. I am no exception. Last term I almost shifted my room to computer center. I spent most of the time in CC studying. This term, I hardly went there. Now, the winter has just started and people dont even prefer to come out and with the laziness I have, I think I dont even go to classes !!!!

Coming back to assignments - disadvantages and advantages. One disadvantage with assignment is that the range of marks doesnt differ. The difference between maximum and minimum could be at max 2 or 3 marks. But in case of quizzes, the difference is the maximum marks for which the quiz has been conducted. Ultimately, this thinking results in decrease of the motivation factor to work for assignments because people start thinking that they can put the same efforts in preparing for midterm and endterm exams for which they could get the highest marks. Great thinking. I hope I dont go with empty brain for midterm exams thinking that I could put in efforts for end term exams...Its all my perception....