1. Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP)
Outcomes of implementing a new strategy using techniques from
Computing in the Classroom workshop
Prof. Nithya Natarajan
Adjunct Professor (Computer Systems Technology)
(CST 2406)

2. Table of Contents Get/set clear expectations from students
Group exercises for every chapter
Increase in grade % for participation
Play related videos to set focus on topic
Give project assignments early
Improve gender equity
Students’ survey on these strategies

3. Get/set clear expectations from students
Strategy:
On the first day of the class, I asked the students to write their expectations from the class on paper and then read it out. I told them not to say “Get good grade” or “Don’t know” or “Necessary to complete”.
Outcomes:
I was surprised to notice a variety of response including their interest in problem solving, their career goals etc.

4. Group Exercises for every chapter
Strategy:
An in-class assignment which involves dividing the class into 4-5 groups and each group will be given 10 min to discuss and 5 minutes to present their thoughts to the rest of the class.
Outcomes:
The students are more involved
Can learn from each other

5. Increase in grade % for Participation
Strategy:
Allocated 10% for class participation from overall course grade.
Outcomes:
Students who were originally shy to speak up in the class, started actively participating. Of course, there are always those students where nothing would make them talk.

6. Play related videos to set focus on topic
Strategy:
At the beginning of each critical chapter, I show them a related video that would set the stage for what they are going to learn. I would also pick something that’s funny so that they can loosen up and be open to take in the new concept.
Outcomes:
Students not only loved the videos but they also learn how important it is to learn this for their career.

7. Give Project Assignments early
Strategy:
Instead of giving project assignments a month before its due, I gave the project 2.5 months before. This is so that they can start to apply concepts in their projects as they learn.
Outcomes:
The students have already started to buddy up with their team and discuss the topics. This will build strong team and commitment.

8. Improve gender equity Strategy:
Nominated few team leads as females when doing team project work.
Stopped addressing the class as “guys”
Outcomes:
As a faculty, I am made more aware of the fact to lay emphasis on gender equity in all my classes.

9. Student Survey
A survey questionnaire was given to each student in the class with the following questions to assess the strategies used:

10. Survey Report

11. Conclusions
With the new teaching strategies implemented we found the following:
80% of the students felt that the group exercises have helped not only to apply the concepts learnt but also learn from other students.
More than 80% of the students felt that the videos have helped them immensely in setting the focus and understanding the new concepts
Only 1/3rd of the class was actively participating in the class before the 10% increase in overall grade. Now over 2/3rd of the class is actively participating.
Overall, we found that these newly implemented strategies help students participate more actively in class.