Assignment Choice Roadmap in Computer Science Service Courses Article Swipe
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· 2024
· Open Access
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· DOI: https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2-1153-46323
· OA: W4399491068
Students taking introductory classes in Computer Science, especially those who are required to take a "coding class" for their non-computer science major, can be very intimated by the thought of learning to program.Many students, particularly those underrepresented students in engineering (Hispanics, African Americans, and women), are discouraged by being grouped with peers who have coding experience or have otherwise been involved with computers before.Computer Science service classes will continue to encompass students from many diverse majors, as more degree plans require a coding class.Coding does not always come easy for these students.This paper examines assignment choice in an undergraduate CS-1 course.Guided by the Self Determination Theory, the authors will implement assignment choice as a means for students to plan a path to meet the course learning objectives.We will integrate the choices in the curriculum into Canvas, the Learning Management System, and provide a course grade calculator to students.Students receive a customized course road map to visualize their path through the assignments and to plan their own road to success.The approach applies to students' own internal motivation, whether intrinsic or extrinsic, by allowing students to choose their own path or set of assignments to complete the course.By allowing choice, the assignment set is more likely to meet the various interests of the students.We see a higher overall success rate, including the underrepresented students.
