Promoting Learning Transfer in Computer Science Education by Training Teachers to use Explicit Programming Strategies

Abstract

Some Computer Science concepts, and programming in particular, are hard to learn. As CS is (re-)entering national school curricula throughout the world, qualified CS teachers need to be trained. In this PhD work we will propose a training that will help teachers teach those concepts effectively. Based on the educational framework of learning transfer and cognitive load theory, we will do this through evidence-based instructional strategies. These explicit programming strategies aim to decrease cognitive load and foster learning transfer. My PhD will advance the topic of CS teacher training by understanding how CS teachers apply those programming strategies in their teaching through qualitative studies and by designing a validated training that can be used with tutors and teacher trainers.