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Combining Active Learning Approaches for Improving Computing Course Outcomes at Minority-Majority Institutions

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Conference

2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Columbus, Ohio

Publication Date

June 24, 2017

Start Date

June 24, 2017

End Date

June 28, 2017

Conference Session

Emerging Computing and Information Technologies II

Tagged Division

Computing & Information Technology

Tagged Topic

Diversity

Page Count

10

DOI

10.18260/1-2--28049

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/28049

Download Count

590

Paper Authors

biography

Debra Lee Davis Florida International University, School of Computing and Information Sciences

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Dr. Debra Davis is an Instructor in the School of Computing and Information Sciences at Florida International University. Her research interests emphasize interdisciplinary topics including understanding and improving: (1) Computer Science education, including increasing participation of women; (2) educational applications and techniques for online STEM learning; and (3) complex human-machine interactions. She has a Ph.D. and M.A., in Cognitive Developmental Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, and an M.S. in Computer Science from FIU.

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Abstract

Research shows that over 50% students who try an introductory course in programming do not complete the course. At Hispanic-serving institutions (HSI) and those with large populations of 1st generation college students, this is particularly problematic. We combined and customized approaches for use in an introductory programming course for Computer Science Majors at a large HSI. The approaches included the use of: (1) Collaborative, team-based and paired programming, active learning, in-class exercises, as well as additional external assignments; (2) Active learning classroom environment whereby the physical space enhances and encourages collaborative, small group interactions; and (3) In-class Peer Learning Assistants (undergraduates) that have undergone specialized training to facilitate discussion and interaction with students in an active learning classroom setting. We conducted a study in a Programming I for Computer Science Majors (CS1) course to test the efficacy of the 3-pronged approach described above. The control group (lecture based) pass rates were found to be 71%, whereas the experimental group (active learning) pass rates were found to be 80%. For those students who passed the class, average grades also increased, with the average grade in the control group at 3.0 and the average grade in the experimental group at 3.30. It is thus concluded that the use of the active learning and the 3-pronged approach described above had a positive impact on course outcomes and student learning.

Davis, D. L. (2017, June), Combining Active Learning Approaches for Improving Computing Course Outcomes at Minority-Majority Institutions Paper presented at 2017 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Columbus, Ohio. 10.18260/1-2--28049

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