Data Structures in Flipped Classroom: Students' Effort and Preference

Data Structures is a fundamental course in any collegiate Computer Science program. The course is typically conducted with in-class lectures with homework and programming projects in a teacher-centered approach. In this study, we experimented with the flipped classroom model of learning. Students were asked to watch pre-taped lecture videos before class. In addition, worksheets containing questions that were specifically designed to reinforce key concepts and algorithms covered in the lectures were prepared for in-class discussion and practice. Student survey was taken at the 12th week of the course right after the second of three exams. The survey showed that students could quickly adjust to the new model of learning that required more self-discipline from the students. Students also did put in the effort to watch the lecture videos before coming to class. However, students indicated that flipped classroom also required more time and effort on their part, therefore, more than half of the students do not prefer to see other courses also changed to the flipped classroom model. Students' performance in the course (at the end of the semester) will be added to the presentation.