Improving Class Experience and Performance in CS1 Course Using JiTT and Peer Instruction

Virtual Paper ID: 49977
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    Farzana Rahman
    James Madison University

Abstract: CS1 or Introduction to Object Oriented Programming in higher education institutions is considered as a very important foundational course for computer science majors. In many institutions this is where the students for the first time usually gets the flavor of intensive programming perspectives of computer science discipline. Research shows that CS1 is the course where many students decide to change their major after having a bad grade and/or a bad experience. The way CS1 course is taught can play a major role on how well the students might perform in this course. In this paper, we share our experience on how using Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT) pedagogy blended with active learning and peer instruction helped to decrease the rate of D, F and W grades in CS1 course. Based on surveys and students’ performance on various course modules, we have found a significant improvement on the students’ interest in learning of CS1 materials, which helped them to achieve better grades in their course.

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