Motivational Active Learning - Engaging University Students in Computer Science Education

Abstract

Attracting and engaging computer science students to enhancetheir mathematical and algorithmic thinking skills are challengingtasks. In winter 2013 we introduced a new teaching format for acourse, which combines theory in computer science with handsonalgorithmic challenges, mathematical thinking activities, andcollaborative problem-solving. Therefore, we introduced thepedagogical model Motivational Active Learning (MAL), whichis grounded in MIT’s successful format for teaching physics,Technology-Enabled Active Learning (TEAL), and combines itwith motivational strategies usually used by game designers.Results from the initial setup in class reveals that students indeedassessed the course structure as more interactive and motivatingcompared to other similar courses. In this paper we discuss thecourse design, issues, and the impact, and analyze the first resultsin detail.