I can't speak to Caltech, but it sounds like what you're describing is a perfect example of a "worked example". The idea is that you are walking through an algo

I can't speak to Caltech, but it sounds like what you're describing is a perfect example of a "worked example". The idea is that you are walking through an algorithm, piece by piece even to the most basic levels. Its the style I use for my AI classes, though I've never been to Caltech; barely even to the west coast. I think its just something educators realized should get highlighted because all those symbols get complicated quickly like what the heck do η and τ mean for Ant Colony Optimization[1]? [1] They mean desirability and # of ants that picked a path