Computer supported peer learning in an introductory Computer Science course David Finkel and Craig E. Wills Computer Worcester Science Department Polytechnic Institute Worcester, MA 01609 USA {dlfinkel,cew}@ cs.wpi.edu Abstract One approach for teaching in large introductory computer science courses is to have the students work on projects in small groups. We have used such an approach where, in addition, advanced undergraduate students assist groups with their work. We also developed software to help in the administration of the groups: forming groups, recording work, submitting completed projects, and administering student surveys. This paper concentrates on the software developed to support this group approach and to reduce its afiministrative overhead. small groups help personalize the learning process and provide support mechanisms for the students. It also allows students to produce larger software projects, and gives students experience in the important software engineering skill of writing software in groups. There are several difficulties in using this small group approach in a large introductory course. The first is that the students may have only limited experience in working in groups, and so may lack the skills in group dynamics necessary for successful group work. The second is that using groups adds to
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