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Developing authentic problem solving skills in introductory computing classes

Authors:

Katrina Falkner,

Edward PalmerAuthors Info & Claims

SIGCSE '09: Proceedings of the 40th ACM technical symposium on Computer science education

Pages 4 - 8

https://doi.org/10.1145/1508865.1508871

Published: 04 March 2009 Publication History

Abstract

The ability to solve problems is the key to developing software, and it is an ability that can be difficult to learn. Introductory Computer Science students are often taught syntax and semantics, along with simple problems designed to develop logical, structured thinking, but authentic problem-solving skills are rarely developed at these early stages.

In this paper we describe an approach to introductory computer science education that addresses student engagement through integrating cooperative learning techniques and authentic problem solving processes throughout each aspect of the curriculum.

Over a period of 4 years, the introductory computer science course at the University of Adelaide has been modified to support a cooperative learning style. A three-stage methodology has been implemented in place of traditional lectures to achieve this. The process focuses on observing the application of programming techniques, observing problem solving techniques and then applying cooperative problem solving exercises in the classroom. The results from this change in teaching methodology have been an increase in attendance rates at lectures and practical sessions as well as improved learning outcomes as measured by exam results. Student experience surveys show students have greater motivation for learning and believe they have a better understanding of concepts since the changes have occurred.

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Cited By

Decker AEgert CCascioli E(2020)Cohorting incoming students in a CS1 courseJournal of Computing Sciences in Colleges10.5555/3417639.341765635:8(186-197)Online publication date: 12-Aug-2020
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.5555/3417639.3417656
Bijlsma LHuizing KKuiper RPassier HPootjes HSmetsers S(2019)Evaluation of a Structured Design Methodology for Concurrent ProgrammingProceedings of the 8th Computer Science Education Research Conference10.1145/3375258.3375266(58-65)Online publication date: 18-Nov-2019
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3375258.3375266
Falkner KSheard J(2019)Pedagogic ApproachesThe Cambridge Handbook of Computing Education Research10.1017/9781108654555.016(445-480)Online publication date: 15-Feb-2019
https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108654555.016
Show More Cited By

Index Terms

Developing authentic problem solving skills in introductory computing classes
1. Social and professional topics
  1. Professional topics
    1. Computing education
      1. Computing education programs
        Computer science education

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Published In

cover image ACM Conferences

SIGCSE '09: Proceedings of the 40th ACM technical symposium on Computer science education

March 2009

612 pages

ISBN:9781605581835

DOI:10.1145/1508865

General Chairs:
Sue Fitzgerald
Metropolitan State University
,
Mark Guzdial
Georgia Institute of Technology
,
Program Chairs:
Gary Lewandowski
Xavier University
,
Steven Wolfman
University of British Columbia

ACM SIGCSE Bulletin Volume 41, Issue 1
SIGCSE '09
March 2009
553 pages
ISSN:0097-8418
DOI:10.1145/1539024
Issue’s Table of Contents

Copyright © 2009 ACM.

Permission to make digital or hard copies of all or part of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page. Copyrights for components of this work owned by others than ACM must be honored. Abstracting with credit is permitted. To copy otherwise, or republish, to post on servers or to redistribute to lists, requires prior specific permission and/or a fee. Request permissions from [email protected]

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Published: 04 March 2009

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March 4 - 7, 2009

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Cited By

Decker AEgert CCascioli E(2020)Cohorting incoming students in a CS1 courseJournal of Computing Sciences in Colleges10.5555/3417639.341765635:8(186-197)Online publication date: 12-Aug-2020
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.5555/3417639.3417656
Bijlsma LHuizing KKuiper RPassier HPootjes HSmetsers S(2019)Evaluation of a Structured Design Methodology for Concurrent ProgrammingProceedings of the 8th Computer Science Education Research Conference10.1145/3375258.3375266(58-65)Online publication date: 18-Nov-2019
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3375258.3375266
Falkner KSheard J(2019)Pedagogic ApproachesThe Cambridge Handbook of Computing Education Research10.1017/9781108654555.016(445-480)Online publication date: 15-Feb-2019
https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108654555.016
(2019)The Cambridge Handbook of Computing Education Research10.1017/9781108654555Online publication date: 15-Feb-2019
https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108654555
Chetty J(2017)Combatting the War Against Machines: An Innovative Hands-on Approach to CodingRobotics in STEM Education10.1007/978-3-319-57786-9_3(59-83)Online publication date: 12-Jul-2017
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57786-9_3
Bojey MHui B(2016)Who wants to collaborate? A step towards understanding collaboration as choice2016 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE)10.1109/FIE.2016.7757615(1-8)Online publication date: Oct-2016
https://doi.org/10.1109/FIE.2016.7757615
Chetty Jvan der Westhuizen DKinnunen PSheard J(2015)Towards a pedagogical design for teaching novice programmersProceedings of the 15th Koli Calling Conference on Computing Education Research10.1145/2828959.2828976(5-12)Online publication date: 19-Nov-2015
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/2828959.2828976
Lin CLiang JSu YTsai C(2013)Exploring the Relationships between Self-Efficacy and Preference for Teacher Authority among Computer Science MajorsJournal of Educational Computing Research10.2190/EC.49.2.d49:2(189-207)Online publication date: 11-Nov-2013
https://doi.org/10.2190/EC.49.2.d
Beck LChizhik A(2013)Cooperative learning instructional methods for CS1ACM Transactions on Computing Education10.1145/249268613:3(1-21)Online publication date: 16-Aug-2013
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/2492686
Falkner KFalkner NCamp TTymann PDougherty JNagel K(2013)Designing and supporting collaborative learning activitiesProceeding of the 44th ACM technical symposium on Computer science education10.1145/2445196.2445354(537-538)Online publication date: 6-Mar-2013
https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/2445196.2445354
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