Another example: the 2 dollar summary (10 cents per word) to define/explain a topic
At Start of Presentation Session
Review previous lesson, if any
If code along is a game (or other interactive)
Have students play it first
If there is starter code
Ask students to brainstorm what is missing from the final destination
During Presentation Sessions
Greet everyone
Set agenda and be super clear about it
Always start with HOOK (story leading to “why are we doing this”)
Framing is important
Break the plane (of computer or table with instructor computer on it)
Zoom the screen: BIG FONTS
Some students won’t tell you if they can’t see it, be proactive!
Pulse check: ask them if they can all see
I DO -> WE DO (Code alongs) -> YOU DO
Similar to hook-do-release
Gradual release of responsibility
Make sure to demonstrate failure, but not showy, dramatic, or fake
Say what you type, create a verbal narrative
Cheat sheets on walls
Give students the choice to code along or watch
Don’t call on students by name, but embrace volunteering
No more than 7 minutes without students doing something tangible
Relevant examples
Bucket list or hiding place list, not [a, b, c]
Avoid foo and bar
Always use correct vocabulary (it matters)
Ask clarifying questions on behalf of the students! (also “celebrate” questions)
Wait time: wait for students to volunteer before you give the answer OR have them turn and talk to their partners
If difficult question: validate the problem (“we heard you”) but explain why it can’t be answered now
Great if you can co-teach
Plan sessions with the end in mind
Connect the dots, bring everything together, at the end
Have a parking lot for harder, more time-consuming questions
Display it in a visible place
Whiteboard is fine too
During Labs
Make sure everyone is set up before beginning
Make the exercise(s) doable
Turn and talk/pair/share - if it’s something 80% of the class can do
Give Stretch Challenges
And even more challenging ones “In the Pocket”
Shares
Active troubleshooting
Circle the room while students are working/learning (instructor and TAs…)
Give praise, but also proper criticism… Glows and grows (sandwich)
When someone finishes early, ask them to help a neighbor
Can also walk around and help
Transitioning
Laptops at 45
“Because you really want to understand what’s coming next”
Personal Empowerment Protocol
Read error message
Google it (also tell students how to Google things)
Talk to a neighbor (or rubber duck)
Ask for help
Helping Struggling Students
Talk to them privately at lunch
Hand out anonymous question cards people can hand in at any time
Develop a nonverbal signal to let teachers know that they’re confused
Mud cards if they want anonymity
Organizing The Day
Starting The Day
Greet and welcome every student by name
Recap (first thing in the morning)
Read the snippets from the day before
Tell everyone how we are going to address/correct items from the snippets
Mix up tables from previous day (if using assigned seating)
Have the day’s agenda totally planned from the day before, preview it with everyone and post it in a very visible place so everyone can see and refer to it
Snacks and water available
At Lunch
Create a poster of key concepts
Communicate with struggling students
Hand out a cheat sheet
Hand out note cards for students to write down their questions (like a parking lot)
Talk to the struggling student(s) privately
Mini breakouts to work together in groups during lunch
Personally ask students for questions; sit next to students who are lost
Pulse check w/ instructors (so you know how they perceive how things are going)
Determine next steps with instructors if you need to pivot
Modify / “chunk” the lab
At End of Day
Energizer game that includes concepts from the day
Can be a stretch and share
Validate feelings & feedback
“Props/shout out to ____ for ______”
Recap parking lot questions
Give students useful/optional homework
Assign snippets (post link on Slack)
Remind and encourage students to post questions on Slack Channel
Encourage students to answer each other
Prepare additional challenges for the next day / adjust the curriculum
Prepare the agenda for the next day (including Icebreaker selection)
Beliefs
Failure = Learning
Everyone has something to contribute
No egos (if you have one, check it at the door)
In this together
Everyone is a learner and a teammate
Safe learning spaces / Brave spaces
Soft Skills Sessions
Pretty much every day
Imposter Syndrome is a must, other ideas in Faculty Portal
Life Path good for first or second day
Instructor Preparation
Know DEI, implicit bias, precise language, etc
Mental health and active listening
Do your own Life Path
Do the entire curriculum
Practice Teambuilders and Icebreakers with your TAs and Cohort Advisor
Read the entire Tools and Best Practices Guide from Google, because this is the best thing ever
Get the calendar pre-planned for every down, down to 15-minute increments, including breaks, guest speakers, field trip travel, evening sessions, everything
Guiding Principles and Outcomes (From Google)
Guiding Principles
Create BRAVE SPACES where students can contribute without fear of retaliation, contributions are valued, support is collective, and disagreement is healthy.
Adopt an ASSET ORIENTED mindset where students come to the program fully capable and we recognize and leverage their strengths as a starting point.
Value INDIVIDUALITY and recognize students are not monolithic, they represent a wide variety of experiences, perspectives, and interests. All students can thrive in our program.
Give students AGENCY to choose their own academic and career goals and the paths they use to get there; there is more than one way.
Outcomes
Increase students’ CONFIDENCE in computer science, belonging in tech, and success in school.
Develop students’ computer science and career navigation SKILLS.
Inspire PASSION for technology and computer science.
Create a COMMUNITY of peers and mentors to support students throughout their journey.