Enhancing Student Learning and Engagement in Freshman Course on Problem Solving Using Computers

Abstract

The paper presents a detailed impact analysis of incorporating appropriate active learning strategies for enhancing student learning and engagement in the first year introductory course on Problem Solving using Computers. The major challenge in Education system is that, most of the graduates learn by rote all the way from school to college. Most of the students do not have prior experience in programming and exhibit an aversion towards programming. Active learning techniques have been proved as a viable solution to eradicate rote learning. In order to promote higher order cognitive skills and student engagement, a systematic plan incorporating appropriate active learning techniques has been designed. The experimental study has been carried out in a first year student group comprising of 119 members from the Department of Information Technology at Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai. Along with traditional assessment strategies, exclusive rubrics have been designed to measure the learning outcomes.This blend of instructor led and inquiry based teaching practices in the introductory course on Problem Solving using Computers has shown positive impact on student learning and engagement. Compared with the previous academic years, Students' performance in continuous assessment and End Semester Examinations has improved significantly. Positive feedback from students and increased count of participation in programming contests and online certifications demonstrate the improved effectiveness of the adopted teaching learning strategies in promoting self learning.