22C:030 Computer Science III

Spring 2002 - University of Iowa

Overview

22C:030 was my first large, undergraduate course that I taught at the University of Iowa. 22C:030 is a course on data structures such as linked lists, stacks, queues, and binary trees, and algorithms such as recursion, searching, sorting, and hashing. I enjoyed teaching a large undergraduate course again as I did over the summer at University of Manitoba. When teaching large classes I try to encourage every student to not only pass, but do their absolute best. I also strive for a very interactive class where the students are actively involved in the discussion and solving problems. I believe that the students enjoyed the class even though it is a difficult class that covers many topics, including learning C++ for the first time, in a very limited time. The last project involved building a game that plays Critical Mass, and many students enjoyed the challenge. I know I will enjoy teaching this course in the future, and will continue to strive to make it better.

The class itself was taught in the new PappaJohn building in room 151 from 3:30-4:20 pm Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The advanced technology present in the room made teaching more efficient, although the late time slot, especially on Friday afternoons, was often challenging for both instructor and students. This was also one of the first times that the TAs gave structured labs which I believe benefited the students for those who attended.

On-line Resources

• Syllabus

Student Performance

Of the 74 registered students who started the course, 55 passed the course for a very good 74.3% pass rate. The average GPA was 3.07 or just above a B. Charts showing the mark breakdown are below.

Comments

What Students Liked Most About the Course

I am very pleased that many students enjoyed the course. 22C:030 involves a substantial amount of programming effort, and it is gratifying to see many students succeed in the challenge.

• "This was probably my favorite class I've had in college."
  


• "Dr. Lawrence is very open and straightforward. [He is] very clear in presenting material and answering questions. Best computer science teacher ever."
  


• "[Dr. Lawrence] is by far the best professor I have ever had!"
  


• "Dr. Lawrence is an excellent teacher - he makes me want to attend class at 3:30 p.m. on Fridays."
  


• "The instructor was one of the best that I have had at this university. I never felt bored in class."
  


• "Teaching style was excellent. [I] learned more on this subject matter in this one semester than [the] previous three combined."
  


• "The teacher was extremely effective in class. Lectures were extremely helpful and also interesting. Class time was used efficiently and always beneficial. It was clear that although attendance was not taken, there was no reason NOT to attend."
  


• "The fact that Dr. Lawrence was very willing to help and explain things was very encouraging. I thought that this was a great class. After CSII, I wasn't sure about CS as a major, but Dr. Lawrence's class, CSIII, made me want to continue on. He made it fun and interesting and actually cared about how we did, and wanted to help as much as possible."
  


• "The professor is energetic and encouraging and humorous. He prepares well for the class."
  


• "Instructor presented topics with clarity, interest, and made it very interesting for the students in the class with minor quizzes and competitions. I strongly recommend his class to other students."
  

What Students Liked Least About the Course

As always, there is room for improvement, and you cannot please everyone. Many students thought the amount of work, especially assignments, was significant given that it was a 3 credit hour course. I feel this course is all about effort and practice. Other students did not find the surprise quiz (that turned out to be not for marks) on April Fool's Day that amusing. You do need to have a sense of humor in my class!

• "The amount of credits earned. I put a lot of time into this class for only 3 hours of credit."
  


• "Very strong lecture component, which was awesome, but I have this book I paid $70 for sitting on my shelf… :-)"
  


• "The April Fools day 'joke'."