Link to survey I am conducting a survey to canvas the opinions of Computing teachers on whether/how aspects of data science might be relevant to the school curriculum. This survey is primarily for secondary teachers but open to all. The purpose is to feed into a cross-European discussion on data science in the curriculum. It… Continue reading Data science survey
Category: teaching
PRIMM: A structured approach to teaching programming
PRIMM is one approach that we hope can help teachers structure lessons in programming. It is based on research into the learning of programming but combines different areas. Our overall interpretation of the research is that teaching programming requires a blended approach using a range of strategies. PRIMM stands for the following: Predict Run Investigate… Continue reading PRIMM: A structured approach to teaching programming
Threshold Concepts in Computer Programming
Phase 1: Threshold Concepts in Functions and Procedural Abstraction The first phase of our research was successfully completed. The purpose of this phase was to explore computing teachers’ perspectives on the Threshold Concept framework and to suggest potential threshold concepts in the area of Functions and, more generally, in Procedural Abstraction. A study was conducted,… Continue reading Threshold Concepts in Computer Programming
Exploring pedagogies for teaching programming in school
Many teachers are able to recognise that students can find programming difficult and can identify the stages that novice school-aged programmers go through (cf Laura Sach's blog article). However it is not as easy to specify a particular teaching strategy that will support learners in gaining confidence and a deep understanding of programming concepts (moving… Continue reading Exploring pedagogies for teaching programming in school
My PhD: abstraction in primary Computing
Jane Waite: CAS London Project Manager, based at King's College London, has had a poster accepted at WiPSCE 2016. Jane writes: I recently started a part time PhD in the field of Computer Science and Education at Queen Mary University of London; my supervisors are Paul Cuzon and William Marsh at QMUL and Sue Sentance… Continue reading My PhD: abstraction in primary Computing
A holistic approach to teacher professional development in Computing
Recently (12th July 2016), the new standard for teacher professional development was released by the DfE, in conjunction with the Teacher Professional Development Trust. The standard has five underpinning aims: Professional development should have a focus on improving and evaluating pupil outcomes. Professional development should be underpinned by robust evidence and expertise. Professional development should… Continue reading A holistic approach to teacher professional development in Computing
Teaching Computing: strategies reported by teachers
As part of the Computing At School (CAS) Survey 2014 we asked all the teacher respondents to tell us what their best strategies were for teaching Computing, including programming, and what the challenges were. Over 300 teachers gave us their comments and the paper reports on the findings. Overall, the nuts and bolts of it… Continue reading Teaching Computing: strategies reported by teachers
Computer Science Education: Theory and Practice
Having just finished teaching this module I am very impressed once again by the enthusiasm and engagement of the teachers and others enrolled for this computer science education course. As well as delving into the literature about various aspects of computer science education research, we also had the opportunity to share ideas and look at… Continue reading Computer Science Education: Theory and Practice
Sue Sentance 