ERIC Number: EJ833960
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Jun
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0899-3408
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
PBL and Computer Programming--The Seven Steps Method with Adaptations
Nuutila, Esko; Torma, Seppo; Malmi, Lauri
Computer Science Education, v15 n2 p123-142 Jun 2005
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method emphasizes students' own activity in learning about problems, setting up their own learning goals and actively searching for and analyzing information. In this paper, we describe and discuss our experiences on applying PBL, especially the seven steps method widely used in medical faculties, in an introductory computer programming course. We explain how the method is implemented, give examples and identify different kinds of PBL cases, and describe how the method is supplemented by other learning methods in our course. According to our experience, the PBL method increases the commitment of the students which results in a significantly lower drop-out rate: the average is 17% versus 45% in our traditional programming courses. In addition to computer programming, students also learn generic skills related to group work, collaborative design work, independent studying, and externalization of their knowledge. (Contains 2 notes and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Problem Based Learning, Teaching Methods, Programming, Computer Science Education, Teaching Experience, Introductory Courses, Curriculum Implementation, Course Descriptions, Instructional Effectiveness, Instructional Design, Sequential Approach, Media Adaptation
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A