Nifty Assignment: Problem Solving Workshop

Problem solving is a crucial skill for computer science students to master. Most instruction in problem solving either assumes latent uptake ( through practice with course materials), or, when explicit, is presented in parallel with new course material ( requiring high cognitive overhead). We present an assignment, designed as a one-day workshop, which aims to explicitly teach problem-solving skills using simple programming tasks. Preliminary trials of the workshop show promising student engagement.