Programming Pedagogy in Primary Schools: Developing Computing Teaching from edX

During this course, you'll examine a range of pedagogies suitable for teaching programming to primary school pupils, particularly block-based programming languages. You'll look at general pedagogical concepts like Bloom's verbs, semantic waves and cognitive load, as well as approaches specific to programming, such as Parson's Problems or designing lessons using levels of abstraction. You'll also have the opportunity to reflect on your own teaching practices, and how you could adapt your own lessons to make the most of these approaches.

What you'll learn

Over the following four weeks, you will:

Describe a range of pedagogical approaches, including unplugged approaches, 'Use-Modify-Create', and Parson's Problems
Explore the key programming concepts of sequence, variables, selection, and iteration, and how these can be taught
Model a learning sequence as a semantic wave
Synthesise different pedagogies into a lesson plan
Evaluate the use of these pedagogical approaches in your classroom

What's inside

Learning objectives

Describe a range of pedagogical approaches, including unplugged approaches, 'use-modify-create', and parson's problems
Explore the key programming concepts of sequence, variables, selection, and iteration, and how these can be taught
Model a learning sequence as a semantic wave

Synthesise different pedagogies into a lesson plan
Evaluate the use of these pedagogical approaches in your classroom

Describe a range of pedagogical approaches, including unplugged approaches, 'use-modify-create', and parson's problems
Explore the key programming concepts of sequence, variables, selection, and iteration, and how these can be taught
Model a learning sequence as a semantic wave
Synthesise different pedagogies into a lesson plan
Evaluate the use of these pedagogical approaches in your classroom

Syllabus

You will cover:

Pedagogical content knowledge

Bloom's taxonomy and SOLO

Semantic waves

Instructivist and constructivist learning theories

Continuum of scaffolding

Levels of abstraction

Programming concepts: sequence, repetition, variables, and selection

Using guided exploration and targeted tasks

Teaching programming using 'Use-Modify-Create'

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Guides educators through a wide range of teaching methods, including 'Use Modify Create' and Parson's Problems, which are tailored to primary school children

Delves into pedagogical concepts like Bloom's taxonomy, cognitive load, and semantic waves, empowering educators to enhance their teaching practices

Specifically targeted towards educators teaching programming to primary school students, catering to their unique needs and challenges

Provides practical guidance on how to teach key programming concepts such as sequence, iteration, and variables in an engaging and accessible manner

Empowers educators to evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching methods and make informed adjustments to optimize student outcomes

Career center

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

Computer Science Teacher

Computer Science Teachers educate students about computers and computer science. They develop and implement lesson plans, evaluate student progress, and create a positive learning environment. This course can be beneficial for Computer Science Teachers as it provides strategies for teaching programming concepts to primary school pupils.

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Instructional Coach

Instructional Coaches work with teachers to improve their teaching practices. They provide feedback and support to teachers, and help them develop and implement new teaching strategies. This course may be useful for Instructional Coaches who work with teachers who teach programming to primary school pupils.

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Educational Technology Specialist

Educational Technology Specialists integrate technology into teaching and learning. They provide training and support to teachers on how to use technology in the classroom, and develop and implement educational technology programs. This course may be useful for Educational Technology Specialists who work with teachers to integrate programming into their teaching.

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Teacher Educator

Teacher Educators prepare future teachers to teach in schools. They develop and teach courses on teaching methods, curriculum development, and educational assessment. This course can help Teacher Educators develop effective programming lessons and activities for their students.

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Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants provide advice and support to schools and other educational institutions on a variety of educational issues. They may work with schools to develop and implement new programs, improve teaching practices, or evaluate student learning. This course may be useful for Educational Consultants who work with schools to improve their programming instruction.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design and develop educational curriculum. They research and identify learning needs, develop learning objectives and activities, and create teaching materials. This course can provide Curriculum Developers with insights into effective programming pedagogy, which they can use to create engaging and effective curriculum materials.

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Education Administrator

Education Administrators oversee the operation of schools and other educational institutions. They develop and implement policies and procedures, and manage the day-to-day operations of the school. This course may be useful for Education Administrators who oversee schools that teach programming to primary school pupils.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials and experiences. They analyze learning needs, design and develop courses and other learning materials, and evaluate the effectiveness of instructional programs. This course can help Instructional Designers develop effective programming lessons and activities for students.

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Assessment Specialist

Assessment Specialists develop and implement assessments to measure student learning. They analyze data from assessments to identify areas where students need additional support, and develop and implement interventions to improve student learning. This course may be useful for Assessment Specialists who develop and implement assessments for programming instruction.

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Program Manager

Program Managers plan, organize, and execute programs and projects. They develop budgets, timelines, and work plans, and oversee the implementation of programs. This course may be useful for Program Managers who manage programs that involve teaching programming to primary school pupils.

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Educational Researcher

Educational Researchers conduct research on teaching and learning. They study how students learn, how teachers teach, and how educational policies and programs affect student outcomes. This course may be useful for Educational Researchers interested in studying the effectiveness of different programming pedagogies in primary schools.

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Education Policy Analyst

Education Policy Analysts research and analyze education policies. They provide advice to policymakers on the development and implementation of education policies. This course may be useful for Education Policy Analysts who work on policies related to teaching programming in primary schools.

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Learning Scientist

Learning Scientists conduct research on how people learn. They study the cognitive, social, and emotional processes involved in learning, and develop theories and models to explain how learning occurs. This course may be useful for Learning Scientists interested in studying the effectiveness of different programming pedagogies in primary schools.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply engineering concepts to the design, development, deployment, and maintenance of software applications and systems. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in programming pedagogy, which is essential for developing and implementing effective software solutions.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers plan, organize, and execute programs and services for nonprofit organizations. They develop budgets, timelines, and work plans, and oversee the implementation of programs. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Managers who manage programs that involve teaching programming to primary school pupils.

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