Learning in CS0111

Learning in Lecture and Lab

Lectures in the course will involve a fair bit of hands-on activities and discussion. Learning happens when someone is actively thinking about material and making connections between new material and already-known material. The lectures are designed to facilitate this, but you have to meet us halfway to make this work.

In particular, you are expected to participate in small group discussions as they arise during lecture. Sharing ideas on problems helps both you and your classmates (in hearing and responding to ideas of others, you strengthen your own conceptions of material).

Similarly, when we share out ideas from small groups to the class, talk and respond to each other, rather than expect the professor or staff to mediate. We'll hop in if we think a point is being overlooked, but we want to encourage discussion within the class (again, because this is how you'll learn the material better).

In part, this means that reading notes and watching lecture capture will only get you so far. We provide these as tools for reviewing content or catching up if you have to miss a day here and there, but they will not be good substitutes for being in class and participating in the activities and discussions.

Learning to Program

Learning to program involves developing several skills. We present this list not to overwhelm you, but to help you manage your learning. Each of you will find some of these skills easier to master than others. Paying attention to which skills you’ve mastered and which need more practice will help you focus your time and efforts in the class.