Get help with…
This page is full of information. Use the navigation table of contents on the right side or the search bar on the left to help you find the content you are looking for.
Logistics
When can I get help outside of class?
The landing page of this website shows the times I am available for drop in student office hours, and community coding. There is also a link to book an appointment if none of those times work for you.
This is when you can come talk to me about the course material, the subject in general, or life. These are my hours that I dedicate specifically to helping you. Use them! I am here to help you.
How do I use Discord?
How to use Discord YouTube video channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppN9YbPX1Zo
NOTE: You will be/have joined the Math & Stats server. You do not need to create one of your own.
How can I submit feedback?
I want to make this class a welcome learning opportunity for everyone. I welcome your comments and constructive critique. What I do not welcome is flaming, trolling or insults. Here are some examples of appropriate uses of this feedback form.
- Class activities. What should I start doing, stop doing, and keep doing? Is the pace too fast? To slow?
- Topics: Is there something specific you would like brought up in class, but don’t want to be the one to bring it up?
- Flagging the Misfires. I am bound to make mistakes and microaggressions regarding culture, religion, gender, and diversity. Helping you feel safe is a real-time pursuit. If my remarks created discomfort, you can use this form to voice the concern quickly rather than saving it for the course evaluation months later.
- Words of Encouragement. I need positive feedback to keep me recharged!
Software
Community Coding
- The Data Science Initiative offers year-round training workshops and seminars on data-science related topics including R.
- Community Coding (CC): Students, staff, faculty, and the public are invited to join the Community Coding sessions. Bring your computer, coding projects, and your questions to this open working environment. Think of CC as additional office hours where you have access to more teachers than just me.
- I highly recommend making a habit to attend CC at minimum to do your homework in a supportive environment.
R, R Studio, R Markdown/Quarto
Technology
- Wildcat computing support page
- IT Support Services will provide comprehensive technology support, including laptop loans and virtual technology assistance.
- The Office of Accessible Technology Services will offer all students online access to a staff member during normal business hours Monday–Friday via email at oats@csuchico.edu. Students with questions on inclusive technology or who need assistance setting up technology accommodations are encouraged to reach out.
- If you do not have off-campus access to the Internet, resources are available.
Assignments
How do I complete the assignments?
Most homework assignments will come with a template to use. This will be a Quarto (*.qmd) file for R users, and a Word document (*.doc) for SPSS users.
R users write their code and answers directly into the .qmd file. SPSS users will copy their code and relevant output into the Word doc, along with writing their answers in the Word doc directly.
All homework files must be compiled or converted to PDF before submission. R users render their file to PDF, SPSS users will save as their Word document as PDF.
Links to the templates can be found in the homework assignment itself. A list of all assignment files can be found on the Assignments page.
How/where do I submit completed assignments?
Standard Assignments
- Unless specified, all assignments are to be submitted be in PDF format to Canvas for scoring using a rubric.
- I will review and comment on each assignment, writing corrections and suggestions for improvement.
Project Assignments
- These assignments will be completed in Google Drive directly and will be peer reviewed.
- The project uses a mastery based grading system that allows you to continue to refine your work until it reaches an acceptable level of quality. The details are described on the Project page.
- Project assignments should be considered quality work and such refined, reviewed, and absolutely spellchecked before submission.
What are you looking for when you grade?
- Most assignments include examples directly in the assignment file itself.
- Correct English grammer, spelling, formatting.
- Concise, clear and complete answers.
- Correct statistical methods used
- That you answered the question posed.
- No extraneous output or code
Peer Review
Why do we do peer review?
- Everyone has different thought processes and may have approached the question from a different perspective that can help you learn the material.
- Co-authoring and reviewing your peers work is part of a professional research position.
- Learning how to provide good feedback will make you a better collaborator
- This is a delayed version of paired programming - another set of eyeballs can typically help you find your mistake.
- I have 10fold more assignments to review than you do.
- You’ll get your peer’s reviews back faster than I can get yours back.
- The more eyes on your document the better.
- I will be looking for different things than your peers will be. This is a good thing. They are looking from “untrained eyes”, which can be very critical to make sure you are explaining yourself clearly. I can better “figure out” what you are meaning to say - they are the ones that will best tell you when/where you need to explain your findings better.
- You are expected to read your peer’s feedback and revise your work before it is graded.
How do I review my peers work?
- Check the Peer Review Rotation spreadsheet in Google Drive to see who you are scheduled to review.
- If one of your reviewees did not submit the assignment DM them in Discord first to see if they are just running a little late. If it’s getting reasonably late then just pick another person to review that doesn’t have a lot of comments so far and DM me to let me know.
- By using comment bubbles, provide feedback to your peers.
- Be specific. Give the type of feedback that you want to receive.
- Minimum three corrections or suggestions for improvement.
- ❗ Use the “guide for peer reviews” included in each assignment. ⭐
Giving good feedback
- Compliment the author. What did you like about their writing or plots?
- Make specific suggestions regarding things like word choices, use of details, organization, topic
- Mark corrections such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, analysis methods, coding errors, but don’t try to turn their paper or style into your style.
- If you find a claim that is not supported by data in the document (or cited) be sure to point it out.
- Check their work against what is required. Do they have all required elements?
Other resources (I’m always looking for more)
- https://blog.scholasticahq.com/post/how-to-write-helpful-peer-review-comments/
- Look at the questions posed in the bubbles for each section. https://violentmetaphors.com/2013/12/13/how-to-become-good-at-peer-review-a-guide-for-young-scientists/
- https://blog.cengage.com/top_blog/suggested-guidelines-for-student-peer-review/
Grading of peer reviews
As I do my reviews on the same document, I will be reading and assessing your peer review. If I find your review is not providing quality feedback to the author you will not receive credit for that review. You may see the cells in the peer review spreadsheet changing color as I check off your review.
Class policies
See the Policy section of the Syllabus.
Life
This is not an all encompassing list. If there is something not listed that you think should be, please let me know!
Basic Needs
The Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry provides supplemental food, fresh produce, CalFresh application assistance and basic needs referral services for students experiencing food and housing insecurity.
All students are welcomed to visit the Pantry located in the Student Service Center 196. Check the website for current hours.
Please visit the Chico State Basic Needs website http://www.csuchico.edu/basic-needs for more information.
Celebrating Diversity
The Diversity resources for students webpage has a lot of information on clubs, organizations, resources and opportunities available to our wonderful body of non-[white/cis/hetero/able] students.
Accomodations
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability or chronic illness, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Please also contact Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) as they are the designated department responsible for approving and coordinating reasonable accommodations and services for students with disabilities. ARC will help you understand your rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide you further assistance with requesting and arranging accommodations.
Tutoring
The Student Learning Center will provide all learning support services online. Students can schedule appointments on the Center’s website. The Supplemental Instruction program will also be available virtually, utilizing peer-assisted study sessions to increase student success in historically difficult courses. Student leaders are faculty-recommended and trained to facilitate group sessions. Math tutoring is available via Zoom from the Math Learning Lab.
For help specifically with programming, seek Community Coding
Financial Aid
Financial Aid & Scholarship Office is providing financial aid assistance virtually. Contact finaid@csuchico.edu or call 530-898-6451 and to set up an appointment by phone or Zoom.
Health Center
The WellCat Health Center is available by appointment for regular healthcare services. Visit their website for current hours and appointment times.
Covid-19
Just a reminder that COVID is still a nasty and deadly disease for some. It’s super important to stay informed about what is going on. It sneaks up on ya when you’re not looking and prevents you from taking that trip you’ve been planning for a year.
Campus information can be found here.
Mental Health
Online counseling is available through the WellCat Counseling Center and Safe Place. Find specific information on their websites.
Career Center
The Career Center remains virtual only, but will continue providing a wide variety of career development programs for students of all majors and class levels, and for all alumni. It also offers services to help students with the transition from student to working professional.