CAS Conference 2025: "Understanding the problem" in computing education and the real world

As computing teachers, we aim to help students develop the knowledge and skills required to solve programming problems while also empowering them to think critically and creatively. But are the problems we set sometimes too “sanitised”? Often, we don’t work with real-world problem statements and instead we deal with specifications that look like problems. These problems don't allow for discussions about how technology relates to the world, how real-world problems turn into technical solutions, or how technology is shaped by clients and users. They also limit students' opportunities for questioning, decision-making, and sense-making as this work has already been carried out by the question setter. So, what can we do about this? How can we ensure that our students are truly ready to tackle authentic, real-world problems, while also being exposed to different ways of thinking and knowing? In this collaborative workshop, we will explore key elements of programming problem-solving using insights from my PhD research. Together we will share experiences, engage in meaningful discussions and explore strategies that help students not only succeed in exams but also develop the critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills needed to thrive in the world.

 - Nicola Looker , Edge Hill University/University of Glasgow