<p>Mccann is good? I have him now and his lectures are straight off his overly-simplistic powerpoints. I realize he teaches the concepts, and that you’re supposed to be able to apply them, but the practice problems he assigns for the exam are well beyond the scope of even the homework. Perhaps it’s time to visit him in office hours…</p>
<p>I used to tutor both 302 and 306. By far, the students who fare the best are the ones who will spend a lot of time practicing problems. Especially with circuits, the general principles are not difficult, but the countless configurations can be tricky. Similarly for 306, you’ll have to practice problems, trace lots of programs by hand, and work out all the calculations. These classes are the precursors to every class you will take after so it’s better to struggle earlier than later. Patt is super intimidating, but he will definitely help you lots if you go to him during OH.</p>
<p>Every 302 professor I knew assigned practice problems that were more difficult than those on the exams. The exam questions were more similar to the hardest ones on the homework. McCann is good because he has taught the class the most and is aware of the most common mistakes.</p>
<p>Is there partial credit on Patt’s tests?</p>
<p>I would imagine so. Without it, there would be quite a few grades at or around 0. This lack of a distribution undermines the test in the same way that attempting to measure -5 degree weather undermines a thermometer that only reads 0-100.</p>
<p>The 306 test for Patt’s Class was beyond hard. I knew the material and could figure it out if I only had about 20-30 more minutes. There was simply too much crammed in there to give it any good treatment. I guess for the extremely gifted one could do very well. I am just not that quick! I hope to get faster though with lots of practice.</p>
<p>What’s demoralizing is that someone will get a high A on that test… it’s okay though. The curve has magical, grade-saving powers! Have faith!</p>