Learning lies at the heart of computing science and software engineering, whether picking up a new language or library, helping others in a team, or researching or adopting new computational paradigms. Furthermore, it has been adopted in education systems from primary level worldwide, yet there are too few who understand core principles of both the subject and its learning and teaching. This course introduces you to computing specific education theory and practice, of value to you as a developer or researcher, or as the starting point for a career in CS education.

One two-hour seminar/discussion session per week, with some pre-reading.

None

Quizzes on pre-reading/videos (10%)

Essay analysing prior personal educational experiences (10%)

Portfolio of educational exercises/resources developed as a result of demand from teachers within or outside the School (Group-based) (20%)

Examination on educational theory and practice, including scenarios (60%)

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

To develop a broad understanding of CS education principles, practices and challenges in relation to personal learning of the subject and to the development and critique of effective CS learning and teaching activities.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Name and describe core theories, frameworks, and practices underpinning CS education

■ Choose and apply techniques appropriate for given CS learning and teaching scenarios

■ Design educational material suitable for use in given CS education contexts

■ Analyse and evaluate CS education experiences and materials

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.