Effective Techniques for Student Engagement in Introductory Computing Courses

摘要

We propose a four-objective plan to innovate the curriculum and the pedagogies for teaching and learning of computer science (CS) in order to create awareness, interest and success in CS as a discipline. The four objectives are as follows: a) Computational Thinking in CS courses for non-majors; b) Appealing Tools in Introductory Courses; c) Computing in Cognate Courses (Mathematics and Physics); and d) Utilize peer mentoring/coaching to foster deeper learning in related courses and to serve as 'coaches' in course-assigned projects. Due to these changes, the enrollment in CS increased by around 250% and students obtained competitive internships and job opportunities (e.g., Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon). Students participated in hackathons and research conferences.