in reply to Initiative or otherwise?

In the case of Programmer B, I rather think it depends on exactly how he 'adjusted' a few comments. If he's claiming credit for code he didn't write then oh by ghod he cheated. And in a big way at that. If he was just changing the comments to match the way he was using the code then yup, he used initiative.

I don't really have a problem with Child B either. But it rather depends on attitude. We've all been pissed off by the kid who wants it on a plate, and rightly so. The kid who asks a question, uses the information given and then comes back for clarification is doing the right thing AFIAC.

However, I offer a third scenario for your consideration:

Children C & D receive the same assignment and, on Saturday night they get together, check CPAN and other sources for solutions to similar problems, then work together to produce some code that meets the requirements and hand in a joint project.

In the real world, this is what I'd want to see happening. As well as learning about the problem (and background -- that's what the CPAN/Web research is about) the kids are learning/teaching themselves how to work as part of a team.

Unless schools have changed drastically since I was a kid, I'm betting that C and D would be in big trouble for cheating...

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re: Re: Initiative or otherwise?
by BrowserUk (Patriarch) on Jul 09, 2002 at 08:17 UTC

    For my answers to your thoughts see this If your suffering from insomnia, this will cure it:^)

    With regard to Scenario 3. I 100% agree with you that it would probably be punished and that to do so is stupid. I never understood that even a child.

[reply]
      "With regard to Scenario 3. I 100% agree with you that it would probably be punished and that to do so is stupid. I never understood that even a child."
      As a child I did not understand this either. Now that I am all grown up -grin- I understand quite a bit more about life and the nature of people.

      I was one of those kids that never had to study. I did not do my homework, I aced all the tests. It was great. I also tended to read a lot more than the other kids, and when I did have a project, I did it myself.

      Not all kids are like that. If a project is designed as a group project, part of the overall task is to learn to work together. When a teacher gives students assignments that are meant to be done individually the purpose is NOT to teach teamwork, but to encourage intellectual growth.

      Granted, in your 3rd scenario, the students that did the work together were very likely more advanced than the rest of the students, considering the use of cpan, etc. (there I go assuming again.. -g-) But they did RESEARCH. For this type of student, it probably is better. Unfortunately not all students are like this. Many would use it to cheat.

      The question then becomes, in the same class, is it fair to accept a project from some students in teams, but others must work individually? Nah.. at least not in the US. The teacher would be fired and the schoolboard sued....
[reply]

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