6.001 Spring 98: Policy on Collaborative Work

Look here for How should I write up my problem set?

Many people learn more effectively when they study in small groups and cooperate in various other ways on homework. This can be particularly true in programming assignments, where working with a partner often helps to avoid careless errors. We are very much in favor of this kind of cooperation, so long as all participants actively involve themselves in all aspects of the work --not just split up the assignment and each do only a fraction. When you hand in a paper with your name on it, we assume that you are certifying that this is your work and that you were involved in all aspects of it.

If you work with other students, be sure to do at least part of every assignment by yourself, alone. You will need the practice for the exams. If you program with a partner, both of you should be at the computer trying out your programs; and you should take turns typing---not just have one person always type and the other person always watch. On your homework paper, you should write the names of any other students you cooperated with in doing the assignment.

Even if you do homework cooperatively, you are expected to write up your papers on your own, based on your own level of progress with the material. You may be asked to elaborate on your written work in tutorial. Please remember that copying another person's work and representing it as one's own work is a serious academic offense and will be treated as such.


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Last modified: January 28 1998, 7:44 PM