Sally Fincher: Classrooms, Kitchens and Farms: Exploring the Narrative Nature of PCK
Abstract
In this talk, I will draw on work from a variety of domains, highlighting similarities across them in how knowledge is gained, expressed and transferred. I will use this analysis to explore the nature and construction of PCK and to think about ways in which it might be supported and developed.
Biography
Sally Fincher is Professor of Computing Education in the School of Computing at the University of Kent, where she leads the Computing Education Research Group. Her work is centrally concerned with the teaching and learning of Computing, with particular emphasis on teachers and teaching practices. She has worked on several major computing education projects, such as the Bootstrapping Research in Computer Science Education series, and the UK “sharing practice” project: http://www.sharingpractice.ac.uk. She is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal Computer Science Education (jointly with Laurie Murphy), a UK National Teaching Fellow, a Senior Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. |
 |
Paul Curzon: cs4fn and computational thinking unplugged
Abstract
'Computer Science for Fun' (cs4fn) is a public engagement project aiming to excite school students about interdisciplinary computer science. It started in 2005 with cs4fn resources now widely used in UK schools as well as internationally. We will discuss the approaches cs4fn has used to inspire students. In particular we will focus on the way we have embedded the teaching of computational thinking in our activities. Computational thinking skills are widely argued as being an important set of fundamental skills that students learn as a result of studying computing. We will demonstrate how computational thinking ideas can be introduced in an integrated way using cs4fn 'unplugged' activities, games and magic tricks, getting students out of their seats and away from their computers.
Biography
Paul Curzon is a Professor of Computer Science at Queen Mary, University of London. He runs the cs4fn 'Computer Science for Fun' (cs4fn) project,www.cs4fn.org. It aims to inspire people about computer science through a series of free magazines, website and school shows. He regularly gives such shows around the UK as well as continuous professional development talks to teachers about the cs4fn approach to teaching. He was made a UK National Teaching Fellow in 2010 in recognition of his excellence in teaching and outreach, was a finalist in the 2009 Times Higher Education Innovative Teacher of the year award and has twice won the student nominated Queen Mary award for excellence in teaching. |
 |
