COMP 321
Spring, 2006		Technical Communication in Computer Science:   Teaching,  Speaking
Fred Brooks, Steve Weiss

Course Plan—First Iteration

Jan 	13	 1.	Elementary public speaking ;  Why Should You Get a Ph.D.?       		B
Jan	20	 2.	Learning styles			W
Jan 	27	 3.	Teaching methods: discussion, case method, seminar		W

Feb	  3	 4.	Methods: lecture, Socratic, recitation, exercise			B
Feb	10	 5.	Course planning:  designing a syllabus			W
Feb 	17 	 6.	Course planning:  outline and schedule			W 
Feb 	24	 7.	Textbook selection			B

Mar	  3	 8.	Problems:  When and where to get help			W
Mar	10	 9.	Large classes, and elementary programming	(Observe Walsh)	B gone	W
Mar	17		Spring Break 
Mar 	24	10. Preparing for a class     (No assignment due)			W
Mar 	31	11.	Quizzes and examinations;  how to prepare for oral exams		B
	
Apr 	  7	12.	How to teach research, and finding thesis topics 		B
Apr	14		Good Friday
Apr	21	13.	Motivation, grading, cheating			W
Apr	28	14.	The teacher as a professional:  economics, compensation, the academic		B	      		marketplace, publish or perish, time-budgeting, professional ethics

Text: 		McKeachie & Svinicki, Teaching Tips, Twelfth Edition, (2006), Houghton-Mifflin. 

Grading:	Based on assignments, class teaching, and participation.  No exam.
Broad curve.    Two free late assignments if turned in next class;  other lates are half credit.

Miscellaneous
•  Each student will prepare and give a 25 minute lesson on a topic of your choice.
•  Each student will rehearse and critique a partner in his lesson preparation.
•  Most assignments will consist of a reading and a two-page essay.
•  Please bring your name card to every class.
•  Name and date on everything you give us.
•  Go buy your textbook quickly;  two other courses are also requiring the book.

The function of the teacher is to design learning experiences.