This book provides an overview of how to approach computer science education research from a pragmatic perspective. It represents the diversity of traditions and approaches inherent in this interdisciplinary area, while also providing a structure within which to make sense of that diversity. It provides multiple 'entry points'- to literature, to methods, to topics
Part One, 'The Field and the Endeavor', frames the nature and conduct of research in computer science education. Part Two, 'Perspectives and Approaches', provides a number of grounded chapters on particular topics or themes, written by experts in each domain. These chapters cover the following topics:
* design
* novice misconceptions
* programming environments for novices
* algorithm visualisation
* a schema theory view on learning to program
* critical theory as a theoretical approach to computer science education research
Juxtaposed and taken together, these chapters indicate just how varied the perspectives and research approaches can be. These chapters, too, act as entry points, with illustrations drawn from published work.

About the Author

Sally Fincher is a Lecturer in the Computer Laboratory at the University of Kent, where she leads the Computers and Education Research group.
Marian Petre is Reader in Computing at the Open University and an EPSRC Advanced Research Fellow.

Reviews

'A book on computer science (CS) education research has been long overdue, but this one was worth waiting for... If you are interested in the results of computer science education research, I would advise you to browse Part 2 of this very readable book. If you are interested in doing computer science education research, I would strongly recommend that you study this book, and the papers that it references.' - Ann Fleury, Computing Reviews

Book Information
ISBN 9780367604530
Author Sally Fincher
Format Paperback
Page Count 239
Imprint CRC Press
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g