Infusing Learning Initiatives for Improving the Programming Proficiency of Computer Science Majors at Morgan State University

Morgan State University, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Abstract

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Undergraduate Program provides support to design, implement, study and assess efforts to increase the numbers of students and the quality of their preparation by strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and research. This project at Morgan State University provides a strategic approach to infuse learning initiatives into two computer science courses to increase students' proficiency and success in programming skills with the goal to retain them as computer science majors. Undergraduate students are involved in this project as researchers. This one-year pilot project seeks to implement problem solving strategies involving programming to develop strategies that can enhance the students' ability to develop proficient critical thinking skills as they learn to program. The project will study the psycho-social attributes that students exhibit towards programming using qualitative and quantitative measures. The project is guided by formative and summative evaluation and an advisory committee. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.