Enhancing Computer Science Program Through Revising Curriculum, Peer Mentoring/Tutoring, and Engaging Students in Undergraduate Research

Abstract

His academic background includes a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with minor in instrumentation and control, an M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering, and M.S. and Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering. Dr. Naghedolfeizi's research interests include instrumentation and measurement systems, applied articial intelligence, information processing, and engineering education. He is the author of numerous research and pedagogical articles in his areas of expertise.

Learning-by-Teaching in CS Education: A Systematic Review

“…Despite its long-existing history and proven effectiveness, peer tutoring has some challenges in CS education. One common challenge is the use of peer tutoring at the program-or college-level due to the high drop-out rates in the CS courses [20,21,22,23,24]. Furthermore, peer tutoring in the classroom takes additional effort in planning and classroom management, which may also contribute to the low adoption rate.…”

“…The peer tutors in this case are not students who are taking the same classes as the tutees. The intention of these peer tutoring programs is to provide general support to a computer science program, or even to an entire college for the purpose of increasing student retention [20,21,22,23,24]. The peer tutors are not evaluated for their learning performance in a particular subject as the result of being tutors, which in essence, do not conform to learning-by-teaching.…”

The Power of ProTAsTM: Work in Progress Paper Assessing the Impact of Industry Professionals as Teaching Assistants and Mentors to Advance Engineering Design Education Innovations

“…Less frequent, however, is the examination of the effect of capstone engineering courses on student success metrics such as grades, retention, and persistence to graduation. Studies measuring effects on student success metrics often involve broad examinations of engineering curriculum or occur in the environment of curriculum changes; while some mention the desirability of capstone design courses, they do not specifically measure effects due to capstone courses [13][14][15].…”