Enhancing computer science program through revising curriculum, peer mentoring/Tutoring, and engaging students in undergraduate research

Abstract

The Computer Science (CS) program at Fort Valley State University (FVSU) has recently witnessed an alarming decline in retention rate and a slow progress toward graduation of its students. Additionally, the assessment results of computer programming courses and the ETS (Educational Testing Service) Field Exam (the official exit exam of FVSU computer science program) have revealed that CS students are not performing satisfactorily in computer programming subjects. To address the above issues, we propose a three-pronged approach to enhance CS curriculum as well as the retention and graduation rates of computer science students at FVSU. This approach includes revising course curricula of all upper division courses to include at least one major programming assignment/project, implementing peer-to-peer tutoring/mentoring, and engaging students in interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary undergraduate research activities. This project is currently work in progress and expected to have a positive impact on the curriculum of computer science program and all of its students from freshman to senior level. We anticipate that the project will enhance the curriculum of at least 15 CS (including 12 upper level division) courses, increase the passing rate of students in gate keeping courses by 30% or more and the graduation rate of normal completion time by at least 40%, and improve the performance of senior students in programming subjects of Exit Exam by at least 50%. The project could also serve as a model for computer science programs of other institutions facing similar issues.