0-3 Pair Programming

Students will learn what pair programming is, explore the norms of pair programming, and then practice pair programming with an activity in Code Studio.

OBJECTIVES

OBJECTIVES: By the end of this lesson, students will:

    • explore how working with others can have an impact on creativity and problem solving.

    • reflect on the norms established for pair programming.

    • successfully utilize pair programming to complete a series of challenges in Code Studio.

TEACHER RESOURCES:

Standards

    • CSTA 1B-AP-15: Seek and incorporate feedback from team members and users to refine a solution that meets user needs.

CSTA

Do Now (5 minutes)

Students watch the video Pair Programming (2:51) then respond to the following question:

    1. What do you think the benefits are of pair programming?

Teacher Guidance

  • Two heads are better than one: coming up with ideas is easier with a partner.

  • It’s a lot easier to spot mistakes.

  • You can focus better on the task at hand.

  • It’s sociable, fun and can make you a better programmer!


Mini-Lesson (5-10 minutes)

Ask students:

      • What is the best part about working with a partner?

      • What is the most challenging part?

Then, show this video to introduce pair programming: Pair Programming (2:50)

After the video, ask students:

      • What are the benefits of pair programming?

      • What are the two roles in pair programming? What are the responsibilities for each role?

      • What are the Dos and Don’ts of pair programming?

Introduce the norms of pair programming, taken from the video, with this graphic: Engage students in a conversation in which they reflect on how pair programming can help them foster a growth mindset.

Assign student pairs or let students select their own partner, then direct them to the Pair Programming Choice Board to get started.

Project (20-30 minutes)

Assign student pairs or let students select their own partner, then direct them to the Pair Programming Choice Board to get started.
Students work in pairs practicing pair programming norms switching roles often.

TEACHER GUIDANCE: If you would prefer students complete an unplugged pair programming activity, consider using the "Picture This" game (also known as "Artist and Thief") for a paired partner activity that does not involve computers: instructions | handouts.


Close-Out (5 minutes)

Print out this Pair Programming Reflection, copy it back to back, and ask pairs to fill out both part 1 and 2.

Standards CSTA

    • CSTA 1B-AP-15: Seek and incorporate feedback from team members and users to refine a solution that meets user needs.