Research in Computer Science Education
摘要
Computer science education research refers to a variety of aspects, among them we mention: students’ difficulties, misconceptions, and cognitive abilities; pedagogical tools that can be integrated into the learning process, such as visualization and animation tools; and the computer science teachers’ role, challenges, and professional development. This meaningful research-based shared knowledge of the computer science education community can enrich the prospective computer science teachers’ training. The chapter introduces the MTCS students to this rich resource and let them practice its use in their future work. This knowledge may enhance lesson preparation by raising awareness of learners’ difficulties, exploring ways to improve concept understanding, choosing the kind of activities developed for learners using various pedagogical tools, and testing and grading learners’ outcomes. We first explain the importance of exposing the students to the knowledge gained by the computer science education research community. Then, we demonstrate different topics addressed in such research works, and suggest activities to facilitate in the MTCS course with respect to this research. As is demonstrated in this chapter, increasing prospective computer science teachers’ awareness of research can also guide their reflective examination of their own teaching practices in the future.