Problem Solving
During the course of the program, problem solving is emphasized. The type of homework assigned in this program is not typical. The reasons behind the homework assignments are two-fold.

The first is to emphasize problem solving technigques and approaches. Students are given homework assignments that challenge them to look at a problem that might be complex, but a simple answer is obvious is they look from the right direction. Brainteasers that involve math, logic, word problems, and graphical problems are used.

The second aspect of the homework assignments is that often in college, especially in engineering students are required to do things that to them do not make sense. If they try to buck the system, often they are left behind and risk falling out of the program. When a homeowork assignment is given, the due date is assigned and the assignment is given out on handout. Rules have been developed about how these homework assignments are to be submitted. They must be ontime and on the handout, or a zero will be assigned. There are no if ands or buts about this policy. Reminders are not given. The goal of this treatment is to teach the students responsibillity. In the end it is a soft lesson to learn at this level, because when students arrive in college, there is absolutely no forgiveness by some professors. Most students lose at least one assignment, but in the end so many are assigned that this is not an issue. However, those that do not do their work, will be affected by their lack of motivation and respsonsibility.