Learn to Teach Java: Writing Classes and Arrays

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teach-java-classes-arrays

Introduction

### Course Review and Recommendation: Learn to Teach Java: Writing Classes and Arrays In the ever-evolving landscape of computer science education, the ability to teach effectively has become as vital as mastering the subject itself. For educators looking to deepen their understanding of Java while cultivating their teaching skills, Coursera's "Learn to Teach Java: Writing Classes and Arrays" emerges as an exceptional resource. #### Overview of the Course This course offers more than just programming skills; it provides a comprehensive approach to teaching Java through a blend of theory and practical application. By leveraging the free, online interactive CS Awesome textbook, participants will dive into Java concepts, specifically focusing on Class design and 1-D Arrays. Designed with teachers in mind, this course not only aims to enhance participants' Java proficiency but also equips them with strategies to teach these concepts effectively to students. #### Course Structure and Content The course begins with a welcome module, introducing learners to Dr. Simon and outlining the course objectives. This personal touch creates an inviting atmosphere for participants. **Unit 5: Creating Classes** - **Learn as a Student:** Participants will explore the world of Java by learning to design and create classes. The focus here is on encapsulating data and methods, which is a foundational pillar of object-oriented programming. - **Teacher Powerup:** This segment delves deeper into assessing understanding of class creation, with a particular focus on Advanced Placement Computer Science A (APCS A) free response questions, giving teachers the tools they need to evaluate student comprehension effectively. **Unit 6: Arrays** - **Learn as a Student:** This unit introduces participants to one-dimensional arrays, showcasing their utility in handling large datasets. Practical applications such as storing grades and analyzing temperature data highlight how these concepts can be applied in real-world scenarios. - **Teacher Powerup:** As with the previous unit, educators will gain insights into teaching strategies and assessment methods for arrays, enabling them to facilitate classroom discussions rooted in peer instruction. #### Learning Outcomes and Skills Development By the end of the course, participants will not only have a robust understanding of Java classes and arrays but will also have developed essential pedagogical skills to teach these concepts effectively. The quizzes at the end of each unit act as a self-assessment tool, ensuring that teachers can gauge their mastery of the material, thus promoting confidence in their teaching abilities. #### Why Recommend This Course? 1. **Target Audience:** Tailored specifically for educators, this course acknowledges the dual goals of mastering a subject and learning to teach it effectively. It's particularly beneficial for those preparing to teach Advanced Placement Computer Science or equivalent university-level courses. 2. **Practical Resources:** The integration of the CS Awesome textbook provides a hands-on approach to learning, complete with interactive components that can be utilized in the classroom. 3. **Engagement with Best Practices:** Teachers gain access to valuable resources and teaching strategies that can enhance classroom engagement, making complex concepts more accessible to students. 4. **Community Support:** Participants can connect with fellow educators, fostering a collaborative learning environment that enriches the learning experience. 5. **Flexibility of Learning:** As a Coursera course, participants have the flexibility to learn at their own pace, making it an ideal option for busy educators. ### Conclusion "Learn to Teach Java: Writing Classes and Arrays" is a recommended course for any educator looking to enrich their Java programming knowledge while learning how to teach these critical concepts effectively. The course strikes a commendable balance between content mastery and teaching methodology, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to inspire the next generation of programmers. Whether you are new to Java or looking to sharpen your teaching skills, this course is an invaluable resource in your professional development journey. Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your teaching prowess—enroll today on Coursera!

Syllabus

Welcome!

Meet Dr. Simon and fellow learners in this class! Find out what you’ll be doing and learning.

We've been using objects of classes created by others -- now it's our turn! Using CS Awesome, we'll learn to design and create classes by encapsulating data and methods.

This week we'll go deeper and engage with some resources to support your teaching. You'll learn how these concepts are commonly assessed, but focus a LOT on how class creation can be assessed -- especially on the APCS A free response questions. Finally, you can check your own Unit 5 Java and Java Teacher mastery on our end of Unit 5 quizzes.

Arrays extend the power of iteration to allow us to repeat instructions on (potentially) large sets of data. Want to store and calculate grades for an entire class of students? Want to find the minimum or maximum temperature in a file of historical temperature readings? Use arrays! Using CS Awesome, we'll learn to create and iterate over 1-dimensional arrays and really start to ramp up our problem solving skills.

This week we'll go deeper and engage with some resources to support your teaching. You'll explore some questions to use in classroom analysis discussions (Peer Instruction) and and learn how these concepts are commonly assessed. Again, we'll look at the kinds of free response questions one can ask about arrays! Finally, you can check your own Unit 6 Java and Java Teacher mastery on our end of Unit 6 quizzes.