1. Multiple Paths to Success
Eric Schmieder, Johnston Community College

2. 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference
Let’s Play a Game
Here are the rules:
Complete as many of the questions as you can
You have one minute with each worksheet
Do not proceed to the next worksheet until instructed
Do not return to previous worksheets after time is up
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

3. My Old Approach to Instruction
Identify the concepts/chapters to be covered
Select/design assessment activities
Establish weekly deadlines for submission
Teach according to the scheduled content
Assist students who identify comprehension issues
Grade and provide feedback
Revise course content for NEXT semester
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

4. Historical Student Success Rate
*Only 1 Traditional Section in Spring 2013
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

5. 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference
Time’s Up!
Scoring and Reflection
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

6. 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference
The Theory
Students were not adequately prepared
The course design forced fast-paced learning
Concepts are cumulative therefore:
Success diminishes over the semester
Students felt discouraged and lost early
Something had to radically change!
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

7. 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

8. 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference
The Goals
Develop a course that is flexible yet structured
Give students adequate time for skill building
Provide timely feedback throughout the process
Maintain weekly course engagement
Identify multiple levels of success
Evaluate student outcomes consistently
Demonstrate comprehension on multiple levels
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

9. Focus on Successful Retention
Through Routine
Communication
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

10. Give Time for Connections
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

11. Minimize Delays in Feedback
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

12. 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference
Weekly Engagement
Attendance requirements
Progress monitoring
Student accountability
Personalized instruction
Fall 2014 – Weekly Code Journals
Continuous
Improvement
Spring 2015 – Weekly Participation Activities
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

13. Multiple Levels of SuccessA B
7 chapters of competency
10 chapters of competency
13 chapters of competency C
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

14. What Defines Success? 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference
Assignment Type
Chapters 1-7
Chapters 8-10
Chapters 11-13
Total Weight
Participation Activities
N/A
30%
Quizzes
7 of 13
3 of 13
10%
Lab Assignments
14 of 20
4 of 20
2 of 20
20%
Final Exam
60 of 75 questions
8 of 75 questions
7 of 75 questions
Project
Varies based on individual project selection
Code Phase
70 of 100 points
10 points each pair of chapters
Chapters 8 and 9, 10 and 11, 12 and 13
70% of project grade
Analysis, Design, & Testing phases
30% of project grade
Chapters Completed
Maximum Potential Average
Realistic Letter Grade Expectation
Chapters 1 through 7
81.08% C
Chapters 1 through 10
92.66% B
Chapters 1 through 13
100% A
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

15. 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference
Keys to Success
Time Management
Communication
Resources
Flexibility
Responsiveness
Software Support
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

16. 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference
The Results
*Midterm Reporting for Spring 2015
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

17. Let’s Play Again – NEW RULES
Get your workspace organized
Briefly review the question sets until time starts
You have five minutes to complete your work
You may start on any worksheet you want
You may return to worksheets as desired
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

18. 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference
Time’s Up!
Scoring and Reflection
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

19. 2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference
Want the Details?
Documents related to this process are available at:
Additional discussion/connection welcome:
2015 Cengage Learning Computing Conference

20. Multiple Paths to Success
Eric J. Schmieder
Computer Technology Instructor
Johnston Community College