Active Learning in Computer Science?

Cesar D. Guerrero August 13, 2008

Active Learning Techniques

• Debate

• Discussion (F2F & Online)

• Individual writing activities

• Games

• Role plays

• Problem-solving in small groups

• Student-generated questions

• Brainstorming

• Pause procedure

• Student demonstrations

• Student presentations

• Teacher demonstrations

• Student self-assessment

• Cooperative learning groups

• Think, Pair, Share

• Round Table

• Jigsaw

• Co-op Co-op

• Circle of Knowledge

• Student Team Learning

• Three step Interview

• Corners

Debate – Role-playing

IBM and the Holocaust IBM punch card and card sorting system helped to identify the victims, project and rationalize the benefits of their destruction, organize their persecution, and even audit the efficiency of genocide

Data structures

Source: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Holocaust/IBM.html

Hollerith machine

Problem-solving in small groups – Pause procedure

Evaluate the following expressions:

x=3, y=6, z=8 (double)

n = - ( m = -x * y / (-z + -y ) ) + 5

b=2, c=3, d=4 (int)a = b * -c * d / 2 / b

3.7142n = a = -6

Cooperative learning: Pair Programming

• Driver: types at the computer or records a design

• Navigator: watches the work of the driver and attentively identifies problems, asks clarifying questions, and makes suggestions.

Two programmers work in the same machine playing two possible roles:

Driver Navigator

Another Final Thought

"I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn." Albert Einstein