The effects of providing a space for students to progress with self-directed free study

Abstract

In a class focused on practical programming, it is not uncommon to find a large difference in student ability levels. When such a gap in proficiency exists, students with a high level of understanding tend to find the class too simple and as a result their motivation decreases. Up until this point, we have been responding to students who have a lower level of understanding by providing them with supplementary work in order to help them reach a core competency level. On the other hand, there has not been any corresponding action on behalf of students who already have a high level of achievement. We have created a special environment with the aim of enabling students who already have a high level of technical ability to progress with self-directed free study in the areas of programming and networking. This free space is called “the Sandbox”. The results thus far include daily use by a number of students and the voluntary implementation of student-run programming contests. We have observed an increase in the motivation level of the students who are participating in these activities.