A Hybrid Open/Closed Lab for CS 1

Abstract

In this paper we introduce hybrid labs, an alternative to open or closed labs for CS 1, in which a set of written instructions, demonstration of techniques, and code examples are provided to students in lieu of a lecture. The hybrid lab also consists of several challenges which require students to write code or answer questions based off the concepts introduced in the document. Students are presented with the lab two days prior to a class period and are given an option of submitting solutions to the challenges on their own time (similar to an open lab) or attending the class in which an instructor is available to provide additional help as needed (similar to a closed lab). We compare a section of CS 1 that utilized a combination of hybrid labs and lectures against a section that utilized only lectures. We found no statistical significance between the abilities of the students of the two sections, but surveys show that students found the hybrid labs to be more engaging and preferred the hybrid labs over lectures as means of instruction. Furthermore, instructors found that the hybrid labs allowed for more tailored, individualized instruction for a variety of student abilities.