Activities
Project-Based Learning
Learning happens best when it is in a real-world context. Much of the learning in these courses will happen while students design and complete larger projects from start to finish. Through this process students will learn a wide variety of concepts and skills in order to solve the problem at hand. The teacher will provide support throughout the project such as providing learning resources, explaining concepts and giving feedback.
Mini-Projects
Students will also write code for smaller projects in order to focus on specific skills and concepts. The projects will still based on a real-world problem, but the scope is smaller.
Code Dives
While Mrs. Ramsey won't usually lecture in front of the class, there are some times when direct instruction and explanation is the best teaching tool. Mrs. Ramsey will introduce new terms and concepts by walking through real examples of code. Students are then expected to work through the exercises or challenges either on their own or with a partner. The concepts will be easier to apply toward projects since they are presented in context.
Mini-Quizzes
A majority of the grade will come from projects (large and small) but there will occasionally be mini-quizzes centered around specific topics. These will be in multiple-choice or short answer format to check for understanding of programming fundamentals. This also will help in preparation for state and AP tests in the junior and senior level courses.
Formative Assessment
Learning is a process and students need to feel comfortable experimenting and improving their new learning. There will be times students will complete an assignment that does not count toward the final grade. This is so Mrs. Ramsey and the students can evaluate progress towards learning goals.
Differentiated Instruction
The goal of this program is to make students better at programming. Students have a wide variety of interests and prior experiences, so sometimes students will be working on a different assignment that helps them do just that.