Because of this, programming assignments and closed laboratory experiences are an important component of most of the courses I teach. These exercises are perfect opportunities to challenge students to discover their own solutions and to encourage them to do research to explain and solve the problems they encounter. These experiences contribute to the achievement of the second responsibility. When students ask questions, my first impulse is to point them to a reference where they can find the answer for themselves. I do not want students be dependent on me, but to develop an attitude of independence and to have confidence in their own abilities.
Assessment of learning is an important part of the teaching profession.
I feel a responsibility to both my students and their future employers. To recommend someone for employment in an area related to computer science, when that person does not have basic skills or the ability to continue learning and adapting to new technologies, would be a disservice to both the employer and the student. With this in mind, I maintain relatively high standards for successful completion of my courses, but I also remain available to help students attain those standards.