A Preparatory Course for Computer Science

计算机科学的第一门课程绝大多数是来自该学科以外的学生。课程的高辍学率和低完成率表明需要一种新的方法。以下班级的保留率很低，妇女和少数群体人数极少，这表明需要更好地做好准备。我们建议开设一门预科课程来解决这些问题，包括问题解决、一些基本数学和计算机应用。目标包括：(1)提高计算机科学专业新生的成功率；(2)充当吸引新专业的“磁石”课程；(3)提高解决问题的技能，提高普通学生对计算机科学作为一门学科的认识；(4)更准确地介绍计算机科学作为一门学科；以及(5)吸引女性学习计算机科学。拟议的课程将为学生奠定坚实的基础，掌握在本课程和后续课程中取得成功所需的数学和解决问题的技能，并让他们更好地理解什么是计算机科学，即计算机科学比编程更重要。通过引入数学和计算机科学概念的“娱乐”方法来激发学习动机，拟开设的班级将试图使学习变得“有趣”，并尽量减少遇到的典型挫折。Averach和Chein的《数学：通过娱乐数学解决问题》一文将被修订，以包括计算机科学主题，并将通过使用学习小组鼓励合作工作习惯的发展。建议的实验练习将允许学生应用所提出的概念并更全面地研究它们。

The first course in computer science is overwhelmingly populated by students from outside the discipline. A high dropout rate as well as a low rate of successful completion of the course indicates a need for a new approach. Poor retention in the following classes and extremely low numbers of women and minorities point to the need for better preparation. We propose a preparatory course to address these concerns that would cover problem solving, some basic mathematics, and computer use. Goals include: (1) Improve the success rate for incoming computer science majors; (2) Serve as a "magnet" course to attract new majors; (3) Improve the problem solving skills and increase awareness of computer science as a discipline among the general student population; (4) Give a more accurate introduction to computer science as a discipline; and 5) Attract women to computer science. The proposed class will give students a firm foundation in the mathematical and problem-solving skills needed for success in this and subsequent classes, as well as give them a better understanding of what computer science is, i.e., there is more to computer science than programming. By motivating learning through a "recreational" approach to the introduction of mathematical and computer science concepts, the proposed class will attempt to make learning "fun" and to minimize the typical frustrations encountered. The text "Mathematics: Problem Solving through Recreational Mathematics" by Averbach and Chein will be revised to include computer science topics development of cooperative work habits will he encouraged through the use of study groups. Proposed laboratory exercises will allow students to apply the concepts presented and to investigate them more fully.