I think too that students fear asking questions because they don't want to appear "stupid". In reality other students have the same questions. This is my very first Toot bu the way...
@pandian Many teachers do not instil understanding, only learning facts. Their students cannot reason and take themselves forward and enjoy it.
@SteelFolk @Drosmel I am a big fan of open book exams where you are not asking to regurgitate facts but rather apply whatever we talked about and apply it to a practical situation. I think students appreciate this type of assessment because it's much closer to what they'll experience in real life.
@SteelFolk I agree. I think one of the most difficult things for new grad students to understand is that grades and GPA aren't what define you any more. It is more important to be able to reason and do good reasearch.