aligning programming education between community colleges and universities
This paper discusses efforts to align Java programming education among Boston area community colleges and the University of Massachusetts Boston. Several forces have converged so that Java is the first programming language taught in most Secondary and Tertiary introductory programming courses. Teaching a common language should lead to clear articulation paths between institutions. However, we have found that students moving from one institution to another are not adequately prepared for subsequent programming courses, particularly at the University level. We have developed a multi-faceted, cooperative approach to improve this problem. We are developing a modular, problem-based approach that allows institutions flexibility while supporting student articulation. Our solution includes better inter-institution communication and cooperation, modification of curriculum and teaching methodologies at all levels, development of shared materials, and teacher training. This article describes our preliminary work and analysis. Later reports will discuss implementation of these recommendations.
java articulation early programming education