A practical strategy for teaching algorithms (CS1) to beginners
by Marcelo De Paiva Guimarães; Bruno Barberi Gnecco
International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies (IJTCS), Vol. 8, No. 2/3, 2017

Abstract: Learning algorithms is a challenging task faced by novice computer science students. These students are expected to become proficient in the basics of programming and logic, but the failure and dropout rates in the introduction to algorithms courses are usually high. This paper aims to present a practical strategy for teaching algorithms to beginners in computer science, addressing issues such as teaching strategy, student engagement, and institutional planning. This strategy was developed and implemented over a decade of teaching algorithms in a variety of contexts (bachelor degree, information technology, and major in computer science). During this period, a pass, failure, and dropout rate survey of 603 students was conducted by the same instructor. The analysis of these data and reflections about the teaching strategies are presented.

Online publication date: Mon, 18-Sep-2017

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies (IJTCS):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com