Why

One of the goals of this class is for you to be able to communicate precisely about the algorithm design process. This includes being able to formulate questions, rephrase and discuss material as well as help others understand any and all steps of the process.

To help you practice this, you will be expected to give:

• a 5-minute reflection at the end of 1-2 classes (individually)
• a 10-minute synthesis at the beginning of the week covering the previous week's material (in groups of 2-3)
• a 20-minute lesson during the last month of class

Reflections

At the end of class, I will randomly choose a student to give their reflection, so you should always be prepared.

You will have 5 minutes to stand at the board and can use your time to:

• summarize a concept, problem or definition
• walk through a simple example
• contextualize material from the class in terms of a larger picture (e.g., the class as a whole, how it connects to your computer science journey or computer science in general or beyond)
• formulate a precise question
• prompt the class to answer a simple question or pose specific questions

You will be graded on

• clarity of communication
• ability to engage your classmates

Synthesis

Each Wednesday, a group (2-3) will give a synthesis of the previous week's material. This could take the form of:

• a guided activity
• a walk-through of an example
• a proposed solution to problem from the current assignment
  • you must check with me first, as some assignments are not amenable to this
• a "cheat sheet" which could be used as a study guide or quick-reference for an exam

You will be graded on:

• efficacy of group dynamics
• correctness and clarity of materials
• ability to engage your classmates
• organization of 10-minute time block

Please post any relevant materials before the class meets via Piazza!

Submit your preferences by Friday 1/24 at 11:59pm using the following form. I will post the schedule on Saturday 1/25.

Notes:

• If you cannot find a time to meet with your group, break up the time and each take a different part of the topic.
• If you would like help with group dynamics, please contact me as soon as you can.

Lesson plans

During the last month of class (4/6 - 4/27), you will lead your classmates with a 20-minute lesson, which could take the form of:

• an activity to reinforce earlier material (such as solving recurrence relations or asymptotic analysis)
• a presentation of a more advanced algorithm -- specific suggestions listed on the form below
• leading a problem-solving session for a simpler problem that uses a design approach from class (e.g., drawn from sample interview questions)

You will be graded on:

• correctness and clarity of materials
• impact on student learning
• organization of your lesson plan

Fill out the form below by Wednesday 3/25 with your lesson plan proposal.