Modeling-First Approach for Computer Science Instruction

A Modeling-based pedagogical approach for curriculum design can provide useful framework for teaching computing concepts, particularly in courses that target novices. While modeling is a foundational pillar of computing, it is not typically a focus of introductory computing curricula. Our research proposes that modeling can provide a valuable conceptual framework for teaching abstract computing concepts when student learning is guided along a progression of increasingly formalized models. Our research focuses on student-constructed models to encourage collaborative discourse, which can help surface inconsistencies in student conceptual understanding. After exploring computing concepts through model-mediated activities, students can then extend their understanding through construction of creative representations of the target computing concepts. We are re-designing introductory computing curricula for students majoring in animation, game, and interaction design using this methodology. We argue that this pedagogical approach can be broadly applied, but may be particularly beneficial when designing curricula for students majoring in non-computing domains.