Abstract:

How to reconcile difficulties in learning and teaching complex subject of Computer Science(CS). The need for introductory CS courses for all college students is well established, as they benefit by instilling critical reasoning and making rigorous computer code. During the course, students are overwhelmed by programming language syntax and strictness in coding. How to make these students enjoy the struggle of finding syntax errors, looking for paths to solve problems, and rewriting program codes? Spiral model in teaching is well established but this model must be reinforced as students struggle with accepting new notions and combining them with the previous knowledge, especially in introductory programming courses.

Manhattanville College (Mville) is a liberal arts school that offers major in CS, but many non CS major students take introductory programming courses to satisfy quantitative reasoning. During lectures and labs, students use computers to actively follow the work of an instructor.The non CS major students need different approach in teaching introductory programming courses.
Spiral model in teaching Visual Basic can be combined with progressive assignments. Important issues of reinforcing spiral model is to develop more tracks in the model that can establish links with the previous layers in the spiral model. Following these steps process of introducing learning contents is in accordance with cognitive students` abilities. Experience in teaching introductory Visual Basic course with this methodology shows positive effects on students learning and grades.

Keywords:

Spiral model, Progressive Assignments, Introductory Programming Course.