What can computer science learn from a fine arts approach to teaching?

  • Authors:

  • Lecia J. Barker;Kathy Garvin-Doxas;Eric Roberts

  • Affiliations:

  • University of Colorado, Boulder, CO;University of Colorado, Boulder, CO;Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 36th SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education
  • Year:
  • 2005

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Abstract

Two pedagogical techniques of IT programs are compared, a traditionally taught computer science (CS) major and an IT certificate program using a fine arts approach to pedagogy. The latter graduates a higher percentage of women than of males. Although the two programs are quite different in the nature of the material and what students are expected to learn, CS instructors can borrow from the certificate program in ways that could increase attraction to and retention of women in CS, especially by allowing students to hear each other articulate what they are learning; mentioning practical applications of theoretical principles; and requiring that students display their knowledge and solutions to their peers.