Abstract
Many opportunities for success are given to computer science students in their modules with minimum guidance from their instructors. Mainly, students from this field have to complete tasks on an open-ended problem that requires higher-order thinking skills. Since the students need to derive their unique answer from a given task in a group setting, cooperative learning helps them to compare with and discuss the solutions together. Hence, the individual's foundational skills of problem-solving and logical thinking skills are critical in the process of software development. However, to install such skills is usually a challenging task for academics. This study believes jigsaw-based cooperative learning approach helps the computer science students to grasp and build their logical thinking skills. The familiarity with software analysis tools as part of the online cooperative learning helps accelerate and firm-up the process of sequential logical skills. The results of pre- and post-experiment showed significant improvement (61.6%) in logical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
TopPedagogical Approaches To Computer Science Education
Computing is interconnected in almost all facets of managing and running a business, either via online or offline settings. In order for the companies to run smoothly, trained computer scientists are needed to maintain the efficiency of the system. Besides, the growing use of technology in daily lives has increased the demand for technology courses offered by education institutions. The learning outcome of the courses should prepare and equip the learners with essential computer science skill, so that they can effectively link the business nature of a company, people and technologies. In other words, leading and preparing the learners to comprehend Information and Communication Technologies solutions for businesses (Stensaker, Maassen, Borgan, Oftebro, & Karseth, 2007). However, learners face many challenges in comprehending the conceptual understanding and logical reasoning of the courses. For instance, linking the classroom topics of Computer Science courses in hardware, programming, databases or networks with real-world applications are complex.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Cooperation Learning: A structure of active learning designed to facilitate and achieve a common goal through teamwork.
Problem-Solving: A skill that is able to act on a problem and by knowing the cause of the problem, one can identify, prioritize and select an alternative for a solution, and implement a solution.
Online Collaboration Tools: Eclipse, GitHub, Lucidchart, Padlet, and ShareCode.io are tools of the online collaboration with the team member.
Collaboration Learning: A structure of interaction among group members. It is where individuals are responsible for their actions and learning. This learning includes respecting the abilities and contributions of a member of the group.
Logical Thinking: A thinking process of clear use of reasoning or thought consistently to derive a possible solution or solutions.
Jigsaw-Based Cooperative Learning: A cooperative learning that an instructor/facilitator assigns the same instructional materials to each group member to jointly achieve a common goal through the division of task.
Programming: A process of taking an algorithm and encoding it into a notation (i.e. a programming language), so that the program can be compiled and executed by a computer.