Investigating the Impact of Cutting Edge Devices on Perseverance in Intermediate Programming
Session Format
Presentation Session (45 minutes)
Location
Room 1905
Abstract for the conference program
Entering our 2nd year of this study, we attempt to continue integrating cutting-edge devices in an intermediate programming course to impact student retention in the computing field, which is growing at a rapid rate. Past research states that students believe programming courses to be difficult and, as a result, many switch majors to avoid these courses. Our first year was focused on investigating motivation. This year, we explored the concepts of perseverance and grit among our students and how these factors related to the students’ perceptions of the cutting-edge devices used in class. Our preliminary findings indicate that the students with all levels of perseverance ascribed an element of "fun" and "enjoyment" to these devices and that a high number of students believed these devices were "relevant" to their future goals/career. Students’ level of perseverance seemed to relate to goal-setting. We present interview data and survey results to help inform educators on ways in which curriculum can be modified to harness students’ perseverance by appealing to students' affective connections in learning. We also discuss the modifications made during the 2nd year of the project and how the implementation of a device-based teaching intervention was impacted by these modifications.
Proposal Track
Research Project
Start Date
3-4-2016 9:30 AM
End Date
3-4-2016 10:15 AM
Recommended Citation
Tsoi, Mai Yin; Brannock, Evelyn R.; and Lutz, Robert J., "Investigating the Impact of Cutting Edge Devices on Perseverance in Intermediate Programming" (2016). Interdisciplinary STEM Teaching & Learning Conference (2012-2019). 61.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/stem/2016/2016/61
Investigating the Impact of Cutting Edge Devices on Perseverance in Intermediate Programming
Room 1905
Entering our 2nd year of this study, we attempt to continue integrating cutting-edge devices in an intermediate programming course to impact student retention in the computing field, which is growing at a rapid rate. Past research states that students believe programming courses to be difficult and, as a result, many switch majors to avoid these courses. Our first year was focused on investigating motivation. This year, we explored the concepts of perseverance and grit among our students and how these factors related to the students’ perceptions of the cutting-edge devices used in class. Our preliminary findings indicate that the students with all levels of perseverance ascribed an element of "fun" and "enjoyment" to these devices and that a high number of students believed these devices were "relevant" to their future goals/career. Students’ level of perseverance seemed to relate to goal-setting. We present interview data and survey results to help inform educators on ways in which curriculum can be modified to harness students’ perseverance by appealing to students' affective connections in learning. We also discuss the modifications made during the 2nd year of the project and how the implementation of a device-based teaching intervention was impacted by these modifications.
