Supporting Non-CS Teachers with Programming Lessons

Abstract

The introduction of a new compulsory subject in secondary schools and the publication of the syllabus in Austria poses great challenges for many teachers. A crucial point is the fact that the selected teachers often do not have an adequate degree in computer science or similar training. Consequently, the lack of their CS competencies often leads to an insufficient teaching, as there were not specifically trained enough for this subject before its introduction. Our outreach programme “eduLAB” offers an initiative where teachers in schools are supported by student staff in teaching programming. To evaluate this initiative, 28 teachers were asked how our programming courses and offerings could be adapted and expanded to support teachers and also students in the new compulsory subject. This paper analyses the survey results and ideas of what we can do to further support teachers in this situation.