A 21st Century Teaching and Learning Approach to Computer Science Education: Teacher Reactions

Abstract

Abstract. This paper describes a pilot study to evaluate its use for teacher Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Computer Science (CS) using the Bridge21 model, a particular model of 21st century teaching and learning. A range of introductory Computer Science workshops are evaluated that include topics such as; Computational Thinking, Scratch, Raspberry Pi and Python. This paper includes a detailed look at the generalized activity model used in all Bridge21 activities. Combining the Kirkpatrick training evaluation theory with ethnographic methods the researchers analyzed qualitative and quantitative data gathered from 110 in-service teachers whom attended 9 CS CPD workshops. Using the Kirkpatrick framework as a taxonomy with which to code data relating to (a) teachers initial reactions towards the workshops and (b) intentions towards use of the Bridge21 model for supporting CS classroom delivery. Findings indicate that teachers' initial reactions towards the programme were positive and that teachers intend to use the model in their classroom.

Establishing the financial returns arising from an evaluation of a retail training programme

“…Company training evaluation has been gaining importance within human resource management and has been the subject of many scientific studies by experts in this field (Aragón-Sánchez et al , 2003; Burkett, 2005a, b; Byrne et al , 2016; Curado and Teixeira, 2014; Drimmer, 2002; Elliott et al , 2009; Enkuzena and Kliedere, 2011; Honeycutt et al , 2001; Kirkpatrick, 1998; Leach and Liu, 2003; Lin et al , 2011; Phillips, 1996, 2003; Singh et al , 2015; Tan and Newman, 2012). Kirkpatrick’s four-level model evaluating training programmes (Kirkpatrick, 1994), originally introduced in 1959, have been considered to be the most popular and the most useful framework in the evaluation of training by the scientific community, thanks to its relative simplicity and pragmatism.…”

“…Phillips (1997, 2003) added a fifth level to the evaluation model, based on calculating the return on investment (ROI). Byrne et al (2016), in their pilot study, used a combination of Kirkpatrick’s training evaluation theory with ethnographic methods. Verification of a casual model also based on Kirkpatrick’s model was conducted by Lin et al (2011).…”