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Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools

Inspiring Computing Teaching

Ben Garside and Rebecca Franks

In the first two weeks of the course, you'll be introduced to a range of pedagogical approaches suitable for Key Stage 3. You'll look at a range of pedagogies aimed at developing your students' computational thinking skills, from unplugged approaches to PRIMM, and more. You'll also investigate worked examples and targeted tasks such as Parson's Problems.

In the final week of the course, you'll see several of these pedagogies in action as you work on a rock-paper-scissors game, and you'll think about how the teaching could be adapted for use with your students.

What you'll learn

Over the following three weeks, you will:

Describe a range of pedagogical approaches suitable for use with 11- to 14-year-olds
Demonstrate an understanding of how these approaches can be used in the classroom
Evaluate the suitability of each approach for a particular audience and teaching objective
Produce a lesson plan using one of the pedagogical techniques addressed in the course

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Describe a range of pedagogical approaches suitable for use with 11- to 14-year-olds
Demonstrate an understanding of how these approaches can be used in the classroom

Evaluate the suitability of each approach for a particular audience and teaching objective
Produce a lesson plan using one of the pedagogical techniques addressed in the course

Describe a range of pedagogical approaches suitable for use with 11- to 14-year-olds
Demonstrate an understanding of how these approaches can be used in the classroom
Evaluate the suitability of each approach for a particular audience and teaching objective
Produce a lesson plan using one of the pedagogical techniques addressed in the course

Syllabus

You will cover:

Computational thinking

The unplugged approach

Use-Modify-Create and PRIMM

Worked examples and live coding

Pair programming

Parson's Problems

Using functions, loops, variables, and selection to create a rock-paper-scissors game

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Emphasizes preparing students for computational thinking, a necessary skill for young learners

Provides hands-on experience through interactive activities like building a rock-paper-scissors game

Introduces a variety of pedagogical approaches, allowing educators to choose the most appropriate for their students

Provides clear learning objectives and outcomes, guiding students towards specific achievements

Designed for a specific age group (11- to 14-year-olds), ensuring relevance and appropriateness of content

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools: Inspiring Computing Teaching. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools: Inspiring Computing Teaching will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

High School Computer Science Teacher

As a High School Computer Science Teacher, you will primarily focus on imparting computational thinking skills and programming concepts to students in secondary schools. To be successful in this role, it is essential to leverage pedagogical approaches to make learning accessible and engaging. The 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation is designed to equip you with various pedagogical techniques, such as the unplugged approach, PRIMM, worked examples, pair programming, and Parson's Problems. By understanding how to implement these approaches, you can create a stimulating and effective learning environment for your students.

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Computer Programming Instructor

A Computer Programming Instructor plays a crucial role in teaching programming fundamentals and coding skills to students or individuals seeking to enhance their technical abilities. To excel in this role, it is essential to possess a thorough understanding of pedagogical principles and methodologies. The 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation provides valuable insights into a range of teaching approaches, including computational thinking, the unplugged approach, worked examples, and pair programming. By gaining knowledge of these techniques, you can effectively convey complex programming concepts to your students, fostering their understanding and problem-solving abilities.

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Educational Software Developer

An Educational Software Developer specializes in designing and developing software applications that enhance the teaching and learning experience. To succeed in this role, it is essential to have a strong understanding of pedagogical principles and how technology can support effective learning outcomes. The 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation provides valuable insights into various pedagogical approaches, such as computational thinking, the unplugged approach, worked examples, and pair programming. By gaining knowledge of these techniques, you can create educational software that is engaging, interactive, and aligned with best practices in teaching and learning.

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Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer plays a crucial role in creating and developing educational materials and programs that facilitate effective learning experiences. To excel in this role, it is essential to have a strong understanding of pedagogical principles and methodologies. The 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation provides valuable insights into various teaching approaches, such as computational thinking, the unplugged approach, worked examples, and pair programming. By gaining knowledge of these techniques, you can design and develop engaging and effective learning materials that meet the diverse needs of learners.

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Learning Scientist

As a Learning Scientist, you focus on researching and understanding how people learn, particularly in educational settings. To excel in this role, it is essential to have a strong foundation in pedagogical principles and methodologies. The 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation provides valuable insights into various teaching approaches, such as computational thinking, the unplugged approach, worked examples, and pair programming. By gaining knowledge of these techniques, you can design and evaluate learning environments and interventions that promote effective learning outcomes.

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Educational Researcher

An Educational Researcher investigates and evaluates educational theories, practices, and policies to improve teaching and learning outcomes. To excel in this role, it is essential to have a strong foundation in pedagogical principles and methodologies. The 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation provides valuable insights into various teaching approaches, such as computational thinking, the unplugged approach, worked examples, and pair programming. By gaining knowledge of these techniques, you can conduct research that contributes to the advancement of educational theory and practice.

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Curriculum Developer

As a Curriculum Developer, you are responsible for designing and developing educational programs and materials that align with specific learning objectives. To excel in this role, it is essential to have a strong understanding of pedagogical principles and methodologies. The 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation provides valuable insights into various teaching approaches, such as computational thinking, the unplugged approach, worked examples, and pair programming. By gaining knowledge of these techniques, you can create comprehensive and effective curricula that promote student engagement and achievement.

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Technical Writer

As a Technical Writer, you specialize in creating user guides, documentation, and other technical materials that explain complex concepts and procedures clearly and effectively. To succeed in this role, it is essential to have a strong understanding of pedagogical principles and how to communicate technical information in a way that is accessible to diverse audiences. The 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation provides valuable insights into various teaching approaches, such as computational thinking, the unplugged approach, worked examples, and pair programming. By gaining knowledge of these techniques, you can create user-friendly documentation that effectively conveys technical information.

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Science Writer

As a Science Writer, you specialize in communicating complex scientific concepts and discoveries to a wider audience. To succeed in this role, it is essential to have a strong foundation in pedagogical principles and how to present scientific information in a way that is engaging and accessible to non-experts. The 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation provides valuable insights into various teaching approaches, such as computational thinking, the unplugged approach, worked examples, and pair programming. By gaining knowledge of these techniques, you can effectively communicate scientific concepts and discoveries to diverse audiences.

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Education Consultant

An Education Consultant provides expert advice and support to educational institutions and organizations on improving teaching and learning practices. To excel in this role, it is essential to have a deep understanding of pedagogical principles and methodologies. The 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation provides valuable insights into various teaching approaches, such as computational thinking, the unplugged approach, worked examples, and pair programming. By gaining knowledge of these techniques, you can effectively advise educational institutions on implementing best practices and enhancing student outcomes.

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Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer, you are primarily involved in the design, development, and maintenance of software systems. While not directly related to teaching, a strong understanding of programming and pedagogical principles can be beneficial in certain aspects of the role, such as developing educational software or working on projects related to computer science education. The 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation can provide valuable insights into teaching approaches and techniques that may be applicable in these contexts.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist specializes in extracting insights and knowledge from data using statistical and computational methods. While not directly related to teaching, the computational thinking and problem-solving skills developed in the 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation can be beneficial in certain aspects of the role, such as analyzing educational data or developing data-driven solutions for improving teaching and learning outcomes.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites and web applications. While not directly related to teaching, the programming skills and knowledge of web technologies gained in the 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation may be useful in certain aspects of the role, such as developing educational websites or interactive learning platforms.

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User Experience Designer

A User Experience Designer focuses on designing and evaluating user interfaces and experiences to ensure they are intuitive and user-friendly. While not directly related to teaching, the pedagogical principles and understanding of user behavior gained in the 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation can be beneficial in certain aspects of the role, such as designing learning interfaces or evaluating the usability of educational software.

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Instructional Technologist

An Instructional Technologist specializes in integrating technology into teaching and learning environments to enhance student outcomes. While not directly related to secondary school teaching, the pedagogical principles and knowledge of educational technology gained in the 'Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools' course offered by the Raspberry Pi Foundation may be useful in certain aspects of the role, such as designing and implementing technology-enhanced learning programs or providing training on educational software.

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Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Programming Pedagogy in Secondary Schools: Inspiring Computing Teaching.

Mathematics and Plausible Reasoning