@@ -36,9 +36,9 @@ In the final 2 weeks, we'll apply our learning toward new problems involving tec
## Deliberate practice
In a traditional classroom, you attend class where a teacher lectures until the end of the session. Then, you go home and do the hard work of actually applying course concepts toward practice problems or assignments. Finally, you take an exam to show what you know.
In a traditional classroom, students attend class while a teacher lectures at them until time is up. Then, you go home and do the hard work of actually applying concepts toward practice problems or assignments. Finally, you take an exam to show what you know.
Research shows that this doesn't work for science, engineering, and mathematics.[^1] Think of learning any science, engineering, or mathematics as learning how to ride a bike. Quite a few people know how to ride a bike. How many of them learned how to ride a bike through traditional lecture three times a week and a quiz section once a week? Probably no one---learning to ride a bike requires riding an actual bike! Learning computer science likewise requires **deliberate practice**.
Research shows that this doesn't work for science, engineering, and mathematics.[^1] Think of learning computer science as learning how to ride a bike. Quite a few people know how to ride a bike. But how many of them learned to ride a bike through traditional lecture three times a week? Probably no one---learning to ride a bike requires riding an actual bike! We might start with training wheels but we eventually remove the training wheels as you develop proficiency over time. Likewise, learning computer science requires **deliberate practice**.
[^1]:Scott Freeman, Sarah L. Eddy, Miles McDonough, Michelle K. Smith, Nnadozie Okoroafor, Hannah Jordt, and Mary Pat Wenderoth. 2014. [Active learning increases student performance in science, engineering, and mathematics](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1319030111).
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@@ -47,14 +47,12 @@ Research shows that this doesn't work for science, engineering, and mathematics.
1. Immediate, personalized feedback on tasks.
1. Repetition of all the above.
Deliberate practice is about taking on the right challenge with the right support. We'll learn new concepts each week in the following manner.
The course is organized into five (5) two-week modules: *Introduction*, *Autocomplete*, *Priority Queues*, *Shortest Paths*, and *Conclusion*. Most modules involve multiple components, some of which are designed to be completed on your own, others in section teams, and projects in project teams.
1. Before each MWF class meeting, prepare for learning by completing the **pre-class preparation**.
1. During each MWF class meeting and Th quiz section, collaborate on the **in-class guided practice**.
1. After Th quiz section, complete the **checkpoint assessment** individually. Ask for help in office hours!
*[MWF]: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
*[Th]: Thursday
1. On your own before class, prepare for learning by completing the **pre-class preparation**.
1. In section teams during class and quiz section, collaborate on the **in-class guided practice**.
1. On your own after quiz section, complete the **checkpoint** and record your own **explanation** video.
1. In project teams throughout the module, apply design, analysis, and critique in the **project**.
