using collaboration in performance tasks

Using Collaboration in Performance Tasks

Background

Collaboration in C.S. Principles

● Curriculum Framework○ Computational Thinking Practice

○ Learning Objectives

● Performance Task

Computational Thinking PracticeStudents are expected to:● Collaborate with another student in solving a

computational problem;

● Share the workload by providing individual contributions

to overall collaborative effort;

● Foster a constructive collaborative climate by resolving

conflicts and facilitating the contributions of a partner;

Collaboration in Learning Objectives

L.O. 1.2.4 Collaborate in the creation of

computational artifacts.

L.O. 3.1.2 Collaborate when processing

information to gain insight and knowledge.

L.O. 5.1.3 Collaborate to develop a program.

Collaboration in Performance Tasks

students are required to:

● work in pairs to create artifact & written report

● work individually to create artifact and report

● write individual reflection describing

collaborative process

C.S. Benefits of Collaboration● students learn marketable skills

● challenges negative stereotypes about C.S.

● class appeals to a wider audience

● increases interest in C.S.

Educational Benefits

● Enhanced Learning

● makes class more engaging

● Fewer Mistakes/Common Problems

● Reduces Reliance on Instructor

● Students keep one another on task

Collaboration Challenges● Student Misconceptions about Collaboration

o Divide and Conquer Strategy for Group Worko Grade Anxiety

● C.S.P. Instructors must refrain from any:o coaching of studentso provision of any formative feedback to studentso once students begin Performance Tasks

Strategies for Collaboration● creating environment that fosters and supports

collaborationo Peer Reviewso Peer Instructiono Class Discussion Forum

● De-emphasizing Grades/Ranking/Competition

Learning about Collaboration

● Experiential Learning Activitieso help students understand skills needed

● Specific Examples:o Broken Circles

o realsearchgroup.org/pairlearning/

Resources for Educators → Collaboration

Exercise

Pair Programming

● What is Pair Programming?o Driver

o Navigator

● What it is NOT

How to Pair Students● Instructor Assigned Pairs

o Criteria Based Experience/Aptitude/Motivation Affinity/Interests

● Student Selected Pairs● Guided Student Choice

Pair Programming Implementation

● Pair Early

● Video or Live Demonstrations

● Handouts

● Posters

● Reflections

Adapting Pair Programming

● Approach can be used with Data

● Software tools are different

● Roles, Rules and Procedures are the same

Assessment Ideas

● Fairness in Grading Practices

● Participation Points

● Feedback on Reflections

● Quizzes

● Individual Assignments

Summary & Conclusions● student needs for Performance Task success● Learn How to Collaborate

o using a formal structured approach● Practice Collaborating

o early in courseo before starting Performance Task

● Reflect upon and write about Collaboration

References● csprinciples.org:

o Curriculum Frameworko Performance Taskso Teacher Guide

● NCWIT: o Pair Programming In-A-Box

● etr.org/youthandito Youth & Technology Guide to Pair Programming