Modern introductory computer science

ABSTRACT

There have been numerous testimonies to the inadequacies of our educational system [83]. For undergraduate computer science educators, major concerns regarding student preparation include poor problem solving and critical thinking skills, weak mathematics background, an inability to convey thoughts and concepts, and a lack of motivation. These problems can be addressed in the introductory computer science course by developing an integrated approach to effectively teaching discrete mathematical foundations, fundamental computer science concepts, and problem-solving skills. This paper is conceptual in nature and introduces some specific examples of possible approaches to overcoming these deficiencies and problems.

REFERENCES

• BBC86: Taylor Booth , Tom Brubaker , Tom Cain , Ron Danielson , Ron Hoelzeman , Glen Langdon , Dave Soldan , Murali Varanasi, Design education in computer science and engineering, Computer, v.19 n.6, p.20-27, June 1986 [doi>10.1109/MC.1986.1663249]
• Bro85: J. G. Brookshear, Computer science: an overview, Benjamin-Cummings Publishing Co., Inc., Redwood City, CA, 1985
• GoL82: L Goldschlager , A Lister, Computer science: a modern introduction (2nd ed.), Prentice Hall International (UK) Ltd., Hertfordshire, UK, 1986
• Gri81: D. Gries, Science of Programming, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1981.
• HeF84: P.B. Henderson and D. L. Ferguson, "Algorithm Discovery", Proceedings of the Sixth Annual National Educational Computing Conference, 1984, 128-135.
• HeF86: P. B. Henderson and D. L. Ferguson, "A Conceptual Approach to Algorithmic Problem Solving", Proceedings of the Seventh Annual National Educational Computing Conference, June 1986, 243-249.
• Hen86: Peter B. Henderson, Anatomy of an introductory computer science course, Proceedings of the seventeenth SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education, p.257-264, February 06-07, 1986, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
• HeF: P.B. Henderson and D. L. Ferguson, "Guided Algorithm Discovery", Submitted to The Journal of Educational Computing Research,.
• Hoa69: C. A. R. Hoare, An axiomatic basis for computer programming, Communications of the ACM, v.12 n.10, p.576-580, Oct. 1969 [doi>10.1145/363235.363259]
• MDV86: Richard E. Mayer , Jennifer L. Dyck , William Vilberg, Learning to program and learning to think: what's the connection?, Communications of the ACM, v.29 n.7, p.605-610, July 1986 [doi>10.1145/6138.6142]
• Pol73: G. Polya, How to Solve It, Princeton University Press, second edition 1973.
• Rub86: M.F. Rubinstein, Tools for Thinking and Problem Solving, Prentice-Hall, 1986.
• Wic74: W. Wickelgren, How to Solve Problems, W.H. Freeman and Co., 1974.
• 86: "New Methods for Teaching Composition and Design: Interdisciplinary Perspectives", Proceedings of the Seventh Annual ~oJ Proceedings of the Seventh Annual National Educational Computing Conference, June 1986, 71.
• 83: "A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform", National Commission on Excellence, US Dept of Education, April 1983.
• 85: "1985 Annual Report", Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, October 1985.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Computer science education

General Terms:
Human Factors