Use of active methodologies for the development of a teaching plan for the algorithms subject

• Published in: 2021 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE) pp. 1 - 9
• Main Authors: Da Silva Garcia, Fabricio Wickey, Da Costa Carvalho, Elielton, Bezerra Oliveira, Sandro Ronaldo
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 13.10.2021
• Subjects: active methodologies; algorithms; Collaboration; Conferences; Education; Heuristic algorithms; Machinery; Programming; teaching plan
• ISSN: 2377-634X
• DOI: 10.1109/FIE49875.2021.9637482

This Research to Practice Full Paper presents that the contents seen in introductory programming subjects, such as that of algorithms or equivalent subjects, provide a basis for further programming studies provided by computing courses. The contents related to programming are considered complex and difficult to understand, this ends up generating high failure rates in the subjects and, consequently, can influence the increase in the dropout rate in computing courses. Thus, the difficulties faced in learning algorithms require teachers to constantly search for new tools and methodologies that facilitate learning and adequately develop the skills and competences related to programming. Therefore, several forms of interventions in the subjects of algorithms have been used and presented in the specialized literature, with emphasis on active methodologies, which have been generating promising results, making it possible to increase the interaction between students in addition to providing more autonomous learning. Thus, the objective of this work is to present a teaching plan focused on the subject of algorithms, elaborated based on six active methodologies, detailing all the stages of preparing the teaching plan, as well as the teaching units that are worked on each day of class. This work will also present the results of the evaluation of the teaching plan that was carried out by expert teachers in the use of active methodologies and in the teaching of algorithms. For the development of this work, a quasi-Systematic Review of Literature was carried out, which allowed the identification of the main forms of intervention that are currently being used in the teaching of algorithms. Then, the teaching plan was elaborated based on the active methodologies that were identified in the previous step and, finally, the evaluation was carried out using the peer review technique, which counted on the participation of teachers with experience in teaching algorithms and using active methodologies. As a result, there is a teaching plan that is entirely shaped by active methodologies, which consists of 17 theoretical and practical classes, distributed in 5 modules. This plan is based on curriculum references such as the Brazilian Computer Society (SBC) and Association for Computing Machinery / Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (ACM / IEEE). In addition, the plan also has support materials for all classes. The elaboration of a teaching plan of great importance, as it allows to diversify the way of teaching complex subjects that cause a high failure rate in algorithm subjects.