Improving the Learning Environment in CS I - Experiences with Communication Strategie s Dorothy Dereme r Department of Mathematics and Computer Scienc e Montclair State, Upper Montclair, NJ 0704 3 deremer@apollo .montclair .ed u Introductio n CS I is a crucial experience for undergraduate students . While learning technica l skills, students develop their perception of computing as an academic discipline an d a profession . The resultant view influences career goals relative to computing an d long term attitudes about the computer science enterprise . Consequently creating a n environment to improve technical learning and awareness of computer science as a profession and to encourage qualified students to stay with or to consider th e discipline as a possible major is a worthy exploration . One model to explore is a learning environment emphasizing minimally obtrusive communication strategies . Thi s model assumes students learn more computer science through the diligent use o f communication skills rather than in the typical lecture or laboratory . In thi s context, a primary pedagogical goal is that every student actively contributes t o every class . This goal can be achieved through the communication modes o f listening, speaking,
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