It is well established that repetition, especially when spaced over multiple sleep cycles, significantly enhances learning and long-term retention. However, introductory computer science (CS) courses present a unique pedagogical challenge: students enter with vastly different levels of prior experience. For some, the material is entirely new, offering no opportunity for repetition; for others, it is largely review. Traditional instructional models tend to privilege those who grasp content on the first pass, while offering little structural support for students who need more time. Meanwhile, more equitable strategies like mastery-based grading are difficult to scale in large-enrollment settings due to resource constraints. In response to these challenges, we designed a lesson structure that builds repetition into the course flow without penalizing students for slower initial understanding and without increasing workload for educators. Our solution is a weekly workbook composed of four components: a conceptual overview, followed by three linked assignments. These assignments progress in emphasis from assignment completion (to build confidence, familiarity, and provide early feedback) to correctness (to support mastery). Early results suggest improved retention and higher performance among our students. This model encourages re-engagement with material across multiple contexts and time points, giving all students – regardless of background – space to improve through repetition while still balancing the resource demand of a large foundational class.

Thu 19 Feb

Displayed time zone: Central Time (US & Canada) change

13:40 - 15:00
Improving Learning at Scale: Practice, Assessment, and Support in Large Computing CoursesPapers at Meeting Room 102
Chair(s): Preeti Raman Toronto Metropolitan University
13:40
20m
Talk
Developing Problem-Solving Competency in Data Science: Exploring A Case-Based Approach
Papers
Lujie Karen Chen University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Maryam M. Alomair University of Maryland - Baltimore County, Muhammad Ali Yousuf University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Shimei Pan UMBC
14:00
20m
Talk
Encouraging Learning Through Repetition: Effects of Multiple Practice Opportunities in a Large Intro Programming Course
Papers
Jordan Elise Tate pc, Supriya Naidu University of Colorado at Boulder
14:20
20m
Talk
Improving the Reliability of Grading Written-Response Coding Questions in a Large CS1 Course
Papers
Wei Jin Georgia Gwinnett College, Xin Xu Georgia Gwinnett College, Hyesung Park Georgia Gwinnett College, Evelyn Brannock Georgia Gwinnett College, Tacksoo Im Georgia Gwinnett College
14:40
20m
Talk
When Support Isn’t Enough: Understanding and Redesigning Student Support Systems in Large Computing Courses
Papers
Teresa Luo University of California, Berkeley, Chenkun Sheng University of California, Berkeley, Lisa Yan UC Berkeley