Cooperative Learning Methods for Java-Based CS1 Courses

计算机科学（31）本项目旨在开发一种更有效的方法来教授计算机编程入门课程（CS1），通过创建一套用于课程的合作学习材料，以先前的CCLI概念验证项目为基础。各种类型的机构正在评估这些材料在改善学生学习方面的有效性，为具有不同背景和职业目标的学生提供服务。该项目还通过研究在计算机科学课程中使用合作学习的方法，增加了教育研究基础。合作学习并不是一个新概念，但是以前计算机科学的努力并没有充分利用合作学习中的一个关键因素：为小组成员分配与概念和过程相关的特定角色。这个项目使用更结构化的练习，并更多地使用角色。该项目还建立在结对编程方法（另一种协作学习技术）的成功基础上。它通过引导学生进行不同层次的合作来概括这种方法：从纯粹的小组合作，到在不同层次的互动中结对合作，再到在小组支持下的个人合作。更广泛的影响先前的一项概念验证研究的结果有力地表明，合作学习可以提高学生的表现，降低学生的流失率，而且合作学习似乎对女性和其他代表性不足的群体也特别有益。因此，在计算机科学中应用合作学习方法有望提高学生的表现，减少人员流失，并有助于缓解女性和少数民族学生在计算机科学专业的代表性不足。

Computer Science (31)This project is developing a more effective way of teaching the introductory computer programming course (CS1) by creating a set of cooperative learning materials for use in the course, building on a previous CCLI proof-of-concept project. The effectiveness of the materials in improving student learning is being evaluated at a variety of types of institutions, serving students with diverse backgrounds and career goals. The project is also adding to the educational research base by studying ways of using cooperative learning in Computer Science courses.Intellectual meritCooperative learning is not a new idea, but previous efforts in computer science have not taken full advantage of a key element in cooperative learning: assigning specific concept-related and process-related roles to group members. This project uses more structured exercises and making greater use of roles. The project also builds on the successes of the pair programming approach, another collaborative learning technique. It generalizes this approach by leading students through different levels of cooperation: from pure group work, to working in pairs with various levels of interaction, to individual work with group support.Broader impactsThe results from a prior proof-of-concept study strongly indicate that cooperative learning leads to higher student performance and lower attrition, and cooperative learning also seems especially beneficial for women and other underrepresented groups. Thus, the application of cooperative learning methods in Computer Science is expected to increase student performance, reduce attrition, and help alleviate the under-representation of women and minority students in the Computer Science major.