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Module Title LH Teaching Computer Science in Schools
SchoolComputer Science
Department Computer Science
Module Code 06 25646
Module Lead Prof Achim Jung
Level Honours Level
Credits 10
Semester Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions None
Contact Hours Guided independent study-100 hours
Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description The module is the implementation of the national Student Ambassador Scheme by the School of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham. Its design follows closely the recommendations and guidelines of the UAS.

The module will reward students with course credit for working as a ‘student-tutor’ with teachers in local schools and help them develop some valuable transferable skills. Students will learn important, marketable and transferable skills of benefit to them in employment and in life, specifically:
  • Organisational and interpersonal skills
  • Addressing the needs of individuals
  • Time management skills
  • Working in a challenging and unpredictable environment
  • Staff responsibilities and conduct
  • The ability to improvise
  • Giving (and taking) feedback
  • Handling difficult and potentially disruptive situations
  • Public speaking and communication skills
  • Team-working
  • Standard teaching methods


Students will gain experience of working in a professional educational environment and will learn about the key issues affecting school education today. They will have the satisfaction of making a positive impact on the education of pupils of all ages and the chance to act as a role model for their subject. It is a chance to put something back into the community by sharing knowledge and helping to motivate young people and raise their aspirations towards science. They will develop confidence in answering questions about their own subject and in devising appropriate ways to communicate a difficult principle or concept. They will develop communication skills and gain a better understanding of their own level of expertise.

For those of who are interested in teaching as a profession, this will be an opportunity to explore whether it is a path they want to pursue. They will learn to devise and develop computer science projects and teaching methods appropriate to engage the relevant age group.

The module will involve:
  • Attendance at a one day Training Session giving students an introduction to the fundamentals of working with children and conduct in the school environment
  • Undergoing a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check prior to entering the classroom
  • Being paired with a specific teacher at a local school who will work with students to identify their aims and objectives for the term
  • Spending ½ day a week in school for 10 weeks, developing a role within the classroom
  • Completion of a Special Project (agreed with the teacher)
Learning Outcomes By the end of the module students should be able to:
  • demonstrate an understanding of the needs of individual learners in a computer science classroom
  • use standard teaching techniques
  • develop interpersonal skills, appreciate staff responsibilities and demonstrate communication skills
  • prepare lesson plans and teaching materials at an appropriate level
  • gain a deeper insight into a particular area of computer science education by working on an individual project
Assessment 25646-01 : Continuous Assessment : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions Assessments: Log book: 20%
End of module written report (2000 words): 30%
10-15 min presentation: 30%
Assessment by teacher (moderated by module coordinator): 20%
Reassessment: not available
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