A learning space for beginning programming students

  • Authors:
  • Roger deBry

  • Affiliations:
  • Utah Valley University, Orem, UT

  • Venue:
  • Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges
  • Year:
  • 2011

Quantified Score

Hi-index 0.00

Visualization

Abstract

Traditional programming courses would seem to be active learning courses by their very nature. After all, students must be actively engaged in practicing their craft if they are to be successful. But, does a course that depends on lectures and a handful of programming assignments really engage students in a meaningful way? The concept of a learning space, as proposed by David and Alice Kolb, describes a number of learning concepts that are intended to enhance experiential learning by promoting growth producing experiences for learners. This paper outlines some of the key aspects of a learning space as described by Kolb, and describes the changes made to one section of our beginning programming course to create an active learning space. Results are compared with a similar section taught during previous semesters.