CSE 321 Closed Labs

Closed labs are an important part of the 221/222/321 course sequence. They are supposed to complement the lecture/activity sessions by providing a structured, supervised environment in which students can actively learn by performing activities that, because of their scope and complexity, would not naturally fit in the normal class periods.

The success of the closed lab experience depends on several factors.

• Students need to make a conscious effort to prepare before closed lab so that they will be able to take full advantage of the time spent working under the instructor/grader's supervision. This is the purpose of the "Warm-up exercises" that are assigned before closed labs meet.
• Students need to take full advantage of the opportunity to work with a partner. This includes discussions and exchange of ideas with the partner both before and during closed lab.
• Students need to be open and receptive to comments and suggestions from the instructor/grader.

The goal in closed lab should NOT be to be done as quickly as possible, so that students can be on their way to more entertaining and enjoyable activities! The goal, of course, is to learn. And, hopefully, also having some fun. It is important to realize that closed labs represent a unique environment and opportunity to interact with your partner and with your instructor/grader, and to get quick, timely feedback. It may be the only opportunity the student has of getting feedback not just about the specific activity involved, but also about programming style, techniques, methodology, and other aspects of the software component engineering discipline.

All this having been said, let us state unequivocally: closed labs are essential to a productive and successful experience in 321. To get credit for a closed lab session all three of the following conditions must be met (no exceptions allowed!):

1. Students must turn in the work done for the warm-up exercise at the beginning of the closed lab session. Although this work does not need to be perfect, it must show a good faith effort to understand the problem and to design a solution. Not knowing what to do or not understanding what the exercise asks you to do is NOT a valid excuse. Work with your partner, and if both of you cannot figure it out, see your instructor before closed lab (and early enough to have time to complete the exercise before closed lab).
2. Students MUST attend closed lab. If you cannot attend a closed lab, you will not get credit for it.
3. Students must successfully complete the closed lab activities (either before the end of the closed lab period, or by the extended deadline assigned by the instructor).

If any of the three conditions is not met, you will not get credit for the closed lab. However, in consideration of the fact that there may be exceptional circumstances beyond your control that prevent you from satisfying these requirements, the 1% for that closed lab is not completely lost. It will be added to the value of your final exam grade. The final exam in 321 is worth 30% of the total grade. So, for example, if a student gets credit for only 6 out of 8 closed labs, her/his final exam will be worth 32% of the total grade. Note that based on experience, it is safe to say that it is much easier to get 1% in closed lab than earning it on the final exam. So we strongly encourage you not to miss any point on closed labs.