Assign the whole class one project, with you as the project manager, to teach them about writing software in industry.
To show that algorithm design is difficult, have students write algorithms, exchange their work, and then attempt to execute each others instructions.
To introduce recursion, try reading The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, or “Martin and the Dragon,” to make the topic more engaging.
To prepare students for the AP CS A exam, make in-class assessments as similar to the final AP exam as possible.
In AP CS courses, encourage students to pay attention to examples provided in problem statements, as these often illustrate special cases and can help elucidate the correct approach.
If your CS course requires supplemental resources, consider applying for a grant from the government or from interested businesses.
If your school lacks the resources necessary to hold a practice exam, consider talking to a local college or university for help.
Explain recursion with the example of determining your row in a stadium by asking the row in front of your what row it is… asking until you get to the first row, the base case.
Start the day with students pair programming and then split them up; it makes later collaboration natural and reduces frustration.
When talking through your thought process with students, check in with them to ensure they’re following along, adapt to their needs, and show that you care.
Encourage students to engage critically with the source and justification of knowledge by modeling an inquisitive nature.
Give students an accurate sense of their own understanding by requiring them to revise and elaborate answers or work that are nearly—but not entirely—correct.
Start and end class with a short assessment by using daily warm-ups and exit slips; this will maximize instruction time and help you track student progress, plus it will validate the students’ efforts
Break down lengthy or elaborate processes into discrete steps that students can perform sequentially. This strategy can be an important tool for success.
Encourage students to work hard and carefully by choosing exemplary or illustrative student work to review and revise with the whole class.
Have students work in small groups to solve logic puzzles so they develop algorithmic thinking and good problem-solving habits.
Help students reflect on their classroom contributions by having them write their own fictional letters of recommendation.