Share Paper: Strengthening the Narrative of Computing with Learning Communities
Tuesday, June 24 2:00-2:30 PM B3108
Abstract: First-year problem-solving computer programming courses (CS1) are gateway courses with low passing rates. In this study, we compared the development of computer programming skills between two groups of undergraduate students taking a CS1 course. In one group, the CS1 course was part of a learning community (LC) with an English Composition I course and emphasized the use of programming narratives to develop computer programming skills; the second group was not part of a LC. LC students outperformed non-LC students in both understanding of computer programming concepts and in their ability to transfer those concepts into practical programming skills. We conclude ...