a fourth reason could be that the proposed project is beyond the comperhension of the teacher / lecturer and perhaps he/she would be emberrased to monitor and guide the project-- with due appologies to the present day teaching staff.

Sarma

 

If that's the case then it's probably too complected for the student too.

__________________
I also post at the following sites:
http://www.stop-microsoft.org http://www.heated-debates.com
Screen name: Aloone_Jonez
And http://www.silicontronics.com, same screen name as here.

 

Perhaps your proposal greatly exceed the content of the course, or maybe doesn't involve stuff taught by your instructor, and doesn't reflect what you learned in his course. You want to build a remote controled robotic vehicle, where the rest of your class is doing projects little more complicated than blinking in LED with a microcontroller, would that make the rest of the class a bunch of slackers, just sliding through the course, and the instructor letting them?
It's good to have higher ambitions, but you need to stay with in the boundries set by your instructors and other students. You can give yourself challenging, but not a good idea to crush the efforts of everyone else in the class.

 

Well, I made the mistake of setting myself a project beyond my level of experience for A-level computing and paid the price. I attempted to create a BASIC compiler that converted the program to assembly code and got an E because I didn't finish it. I wish the teacher had spoken to me about it and encouraged me to do a more simple project but he probably thought I wouldn't listen.

I also made the mistake of doing a project far too simple and paid a similar price. I took my time deciding a project to do for A-level design and technology so the teacher set me a simple project that didn't motivate me, a desk organiser. I didn't really bother and thought it was a retard's project and got an E for that too. Looking back I should have just told him that it didn't inspire me much and it was too simple.

I used to consider A-levels as a waste as I got three Es but looking back I learnt a fair amount about life's lessons so it was worth it.

__________________
I also post at the following sites:
http://www.stop-microsoft.org http://www.heated-debates.com
Screen name: Aloone_Jonez
And http://www.silicontronics.com, same screen name as here.

 

The best course projects are the ones that make use of things actually taught in that course. It shows you were paying attention nad understand what was being taught. Too simple, and you are just trying to get by with what you learned before taking the course. Too complex, and you are showing that the course isn't important, and doesn't offer anything you find useful (instructor might get worried about his employment...).

My first 2 years of college were the worst waste of time and money. In high school I learned calculus, semiconductors, and assembly language. But course requirements make you start over at the beginning. Algebra, ohms law, and BASIC... Not to mention the other crap, like various writing/language, history, sociology... I suppose eventually you'll move up to challenging classes and projects. I didn't want to spend any more time or money, and eventually dropped out.

 

Perhaps that would be a good thing, with a bit of luck they'll allow you to skip the first year.

The only advice I would give is do a project that you're interested in, is within your capabilities and allocated budget, is relevant to the course and not below the level required. If you feel the project you've chosen is beyond you for some reason then tell your tutor as soon as possible.

Did you communicate your feelings to the course leader in a polite manner?

__________________
I also post at the following sites:
http://www.stop-microsoft.org http://www.heated-debates.com
Screen name: Aloone_Jonez
And http://www.silicontronics.com, same screen name as here.

 

Yes, but these were basic required courses, everyone had to take them, or so I was told. Wasn't in much of a position to argue, fresh out of high school, bills, two part time jobs, and a load of homework. Pretty well maxed out on the new factor. I don't regret my choice, I get to learn what I want, and attempt to build whatever I dream up.