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Computing in Israel
Achievements and
Challenges
Computing in Israel
Achievements and
Challenges
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
AgendaAgenda Since when? The Israeli education system; The “New” high school curriculum:
Principles Study Material Content Implementation
Middle (Junior High) School Teachers Gender Challenges The four Elements that made it.
Since when? The Israeli education system; The “New” high school curriculum:
Principles Study Material Content Implementation
Middle (Junior High) School Teachers Gender Challenges The four Elements that made it.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Since when?Since when?
In Israel Computer Science (not coding or
applications) was a scientific discipline in high school from the middle of the ‘70;
No special material was prepared for students and teachers;The programming language was BASIC.
An update was essential.
In Israel Computer Science (not coding or
applications) was a scientific discipline in high school from the middle of the ‘70;
No special material was prepared for students and teachers;The programming language was BASIC.
An update was essential.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
The Israeli Education SystemThe Israeli Education System
The Israeli education system is a centralized one.
The Ministry of Education determines the educational policy on all levels, from Kindergarten to higher education.
Its policy is implemented with the assistance of professional committees and professional supervisors.
The Israeli education system is a centralized one.
The Ministry of Education determines the educational policy on all levels, from Kindergarten to higher education.
Its policy is implemented with the assistance of professional committees and professional supervisors.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
The school system is divided into three stages:
Six years of elementary school (grades 1 through 6);Three years of middle (Junior High) school (grades 7 through 9); Three years of high school (grades 10 through 12).
The school system is divided into three stages:
Six years of elementary school (grades 1 through 6);Three years of middle (Junior High) school (grades 7 through 9); Three years of high school (grades 10 through 12).
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Matriculation ExamsMatriculation Exams
The three years of high school culminate in a set of matriculation exams. The exams are based on: A core of required subjects;An extensive list of electives including physics, chemistry, biology, and courses in humanities and social sciences. Some of the subjects come in various levels, the most common being three-unit and five-unit programs.
The three years of high school culminate in a set of matriculation exams. The exams are based on: A core of required subjects;An extensive list of electives including physics, chemistry, biology, and courses in humanities and social sciences. Some of the subjects come in various levels, the most common being three-unit and five-unit programs.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Importance of the matriculation:Importance of the matriculation:
The matriculation exams are crucial for admission to most Israeli universities.
Some higher education institutions give bonus points for students who successfully complete certain subjects.
The matriculation exams are crucial for admission to most Israeli universities.
Some higher education institutions give bonus points for students who successfully complete certain subjects.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
The “new” High School CurriculumThe “new” High School Curriculum
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
The CommitteeThe Committee
In the beginning of the ’90, the Ministry of Education nominated a curriculum committee.
Members were: from the academia computer scientists
and education researchers ; from the Ministry of Education (the
supervisor and others); Computer Science teachers .
Ministry of Education: Support and budget
In the beginning of the ’90, the Ministry of Education nominated a curriculum committee.
Members were: from the academia computer scientists
and education researchers ; from the Ministry of Education (the
supervisor and others); Computer Science teachers .
Ministry of Education: Support and budgetComputing in Israel, Leiden,
September 2014
PrinciplesPrinciples Computer science is a full fledged
scientific subject; The program should concentrate on key
concepts and foundation of the discipline;
Teachers certified to teach computer science must have an adequate formal computer science education and pedagogical knowledge
Support laboratory sessions and individual “screen time” for each student.
Computer science is a full fledged scientific subject;
The program should concentrate on key concepts and foundation of the discipline;
Teachers certified to teach computer science must have an adequate formal computer science education and pedagogical knowledge
Support laboratory sessions and individual “screen time” for each student.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
PrinciplesPrinciples
There must be a kernel that everyone should earn, but teachers should be able to choose what they like best and feel comfortable with. Teachers thus become part of the actual design of the final program.
Provide different ways of algorithmic thinking and different ways of solving programs.
There must be a kernel that everyone should earn, but teachers should be able to choose what they like best and feel comfortable with. Teachers thus become part of the actual design of the final program.
Provide different ways of algorithmic thinking and different ways of solving programs.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
The Zipper PrincipleThe Zipper Principle
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Conceptual and experimental issues should be interwoven throughout the program.
Study MaterialStudy MaterialStudy MaterialStudy Material
Study material is divided into units of approximately 90 hours;
Course material is essential;
Special material should be developed for teachers and for students.
Study material is divided into units of approximately 90 hours;
Course material is essential;
Special material should be developed for teachers and for students.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Two versions of our program:differ in quantity, depth and in content.
The 3-unit version:intended for those who have only a
general interest in computer science,
The 5-unit one: for those who want to get much moreinvolved in this scientific discipline.
Two versions of our program:differ in quantity, depth and in content.
The 3-unit version:intended for those who have only a
general interest in computer science,
The 5-unit one: for those who want to get much moreinvolved in this scientific discipline.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
ContentContent
Fundamentals of CS 1 and 2Fundamentals of CS 1 and 2: the foundation : the foundation for the entire program. Introduce the for the entire program. Introduce the concept of algorithms and how to applyconcept of algorithms and how to apply them in a programming language.them in a programming language.
Second ParadigmSecond Paradigm:: introduces a different introduces a different perspective forperspective for addressingaddressing algorithmic algorithmic problems (Functional language, Prolog…)problems (Functional language, Prolog…)
also more practical aspects like also more practical aspects like graphics, graphics, information systems.information systems.
Fundamentals of CS 1 and 2Fundamentals of CS 1 and 2: the foundation : the foundation for the entire program. Introduce the for the entire program. Introduce the concept of algorithms and how to applyconcept of algorithms and how to apply them in a programming language.them in a programming language.
Second ParadigmSecond Paradigm:: introduces a different introduces a different perspective forperspective for addressingaddressing algorithmic algorithmic problems (Functional language, Prolog…)problems (Functional language, Prolog…)
also more practical aspects like also more practical aspects like graphics, graphics, information systems.information systems.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Data StructuresData Structures (originally titled(originally titled Software Design) :Software Design) : concentrates on concentrates on data structures and complements the data structures and complements the FundamentalsFundamentals units.units.
TheoryTheory:: exposes students to the exposes students to the theoretical aspectstheoretical aspects of the discipline of the discipline and provides students a choice of and provides students a choice of alternativesalternatives including aincluding a computational computational models unit models unit (introducing concepts such as (introducing concepts such as reduction, non-determinism)reduction, non-determinism)
Data StructuresData Structures (originally titled(originally titled Software Design) :Software Design) : concentrates on concentrates on data structures and complements the data structures and complements the FundamentalsFundamentals units.units.
TheoryTheory:: exposes students to the exposes students to the theoretical aspectstheoretical aspects of the discipline of the discipline and provides students a choice of and provides students a choice of alternativesalternatives including aincluding a computational computational models unit models unit (introducing concepts such as (introducing concepts such as reduction, non-determinism)reduction, non-determinism)
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
ImplementationImplementationThe high school curriculum has been The high school curriculum has been successfully implemented since the mid ’90:successfully implemented since the mid ’90:Course material was developed by different teams that had computer scientistson board, high school teachers and researchersin education.The community of researchers in CS educationresearchers in CS educationwas founded.was founded.The Israeli center for CS teachers wasestablished.
The high school curriculum has been The high school curriculum has been successfully implemented since the mid ’90:successfully implemented since the mid ’90:Course material was developed by different teams that had computer scientistson board, high school teachers and researchersin education.The community of researchers in CS educationresearchers in CS educationwas founded.was founded.The Israeli center for CS teachers wasestablished.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
The Software Engineering TrackThe Software Engineering Track In addition to the regular CS track in some
Israeli high schools we have a software engineering track;
The basis is the five unit CS curriculum; In addition:
Physics or Biology or Chemistry; Specialization track like:
Operating systemsGraphicsSmartphones – AndroidCyber
In addition to the regular CS track in some Israeli high schools we have a software engineering track;
The basis is the five unit CS curriculum; In addition:
Physics or Biology or Chemistry; Specialization track like:
Operating systemsGraphicsSmartphones – AndroidCyber
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
A few numbersA few numbers
~ 10000 take the three unit version; ~7000 take the five unit version;
~ 4450 take the software engineering track.
~ 10000 take the three unit version; ~7000 take the five unit version;
~ 4450 take the software engineering track.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Ref.Ref.
J. Gal-Ezer, C. Beeri, D. Harel & A. Yehudai: “A High-School Program in Computer Science", Computer, 1995, 28, 10, pp. 73-80.
J. Gal-Ezer & D. Harel:"Curriculum and Course Syllabi for High-School Computer Science Program", Computer Science Education, 1999, 9, 2, pp. 114-147.
J. Gal-Ezer, C. Beeri, D. Harel & A. Yehudai: “A High-School Program in Computer Science", Computer, 1995, 28, 10, pp. 73-80.
J. Gal-Ezer & D. Harel:"Curriculum and Course Syllabi for High-School Computer Science Program", Computer Science Education, 1999, 9, 2, pp. 114-147.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Middle (Junior High) SchoolMiddle (Junior High) SchoolMiddle (Junior High) SchoolMiddle (Junior High) School
In 2012 the Israeli Ministry of Education also launched a program to enhance science and technology education. A six-year program covering grades seven through twelve; A new computer science curriculum was introduced; Scratch, robotics, cyber….
In 2012 the Israeli Ministry of Education also launched a program to enhance science and technology education. A six-year program covering grades seven through twelve; A new computer science curriculum was introduced; Scratch, robotics, cyber….
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
ImplementationImplementation
The middle-school program has been The middle-school program has been implemented in a stepwise fashion. implemented in a stepwise fashion.
Currently, there are more than 250 Currently, there are more than 250 schools (out of 1000) participate.schools (out of 1000) participate.
The new Cyber track is very popular.The new Cyber track is very popular.
The middle-school program has been The middle-school program has been implemented in a stepwise fashion. implemented in a stepwise fashion.
Currently, there are more than 250 Currently, there are more than 250 schools (out of 1000) participate.schools (out of 1000) participate.
The new Cyber track is very popular.The new Cyber track is very popular.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Ref.Ref.
Zur-Bargury, I. 2012. A New Curriculum for Junior-High in Computer Science. ITiCSE’12 Conference, July 3–5, 2012, Haifa, Israel. Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY.
Zur Bargury. I., Haberman, B., Cohen and, A., Muller, O., Zohar, D., Levy, D. and Hotoveli, R. 2012. Implementing a New Computer Science Curriculum for Middle School in Israel. Proceedings of the FIE’12 Conference, Seattle, Washington, 886-891.
Zur Bargury, I., Parv, B. and Lanzberg, D. 2013. A Nationwide Exam as a Tool for Improving a New Curriculum. ITiCSE’13, July 1-3, Canterbury, England, UK.
Zur-Bargury, I. 2012. A New Curriculum for Junior-High in Computer Science. ITiCSE’12 Conference, July 3–5, 2012, Haifa, Israel. Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY.
Zur Bargury. I., Haberman, B., Cohen and, A., Muller, O., Zohar, D., Levy, D. and Hotoveli, R. 2012. Implementing a New Computer Science Curriculum for Middle School in Israel. Proceedings of the FIE’12 Conference, Seattle, Washington, 886-891.
Zur Bargury, I., Parv, B. and Lanzberg, D. 2013. A Nationwide Exam as a Tool for Improving a New Curriculum. ITiCSE’13, July 1-3, Canterbury, England, UK.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Educators vs. Researchers:Educators vs. Researchers:
Researchers
Extensive knowledge in the field itself;
Research skills and methodologies of the field.
Researchers
Extensive knowledge in the field itself;
Research skills and methodologies of the field.
Educators
Extensive knowledge in the field itself; The ability to convey this knowledge correctly and reliably;Provide perspective;Infuse students with interest, curiosity, and enthusiasm.
Educators
Extensive knowledge in the field itself; The ability to convey this knowledge correctly and reliably;Provide perspective;Infuse students with interest, curiosity, and enthusiasm.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
So what should they know?So what should they know?
The History of CS: theory as well as the machines themselves;
The name and nature of the discipline;
The relationship of the field to other disciplines;
Curricula and study programs on both the school and university levels;
The History of CS: theory as well as the machines themselves;
The name and nature of the discipline;
The relationship of the field to other disciplines;
Curricula and study programs on both the school and university levels;
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
A variety of issues concerning problems in teaching theoretical and practical concepts;
Equity and gender issues;
Methodological and pedagogical issues, including web-based and technology-based learning.
A variety of issues concerning problems in teaching theoretical and practical concepts;
Equity and gender issues;
Methodological and pedagogical issues, including web-based and technology-based learning.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
J. Gal-Ezer & D. Harel:
"What (else) should CS educators know?"
Communications of the ACM, 1998, 41, 9,pp. 77-84.
J. Gal-Ezer & D. Harel:
"What (else) should CS educators know?"
Communications of the ACM, 1998, 41, 9,pp. 77-84.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Skills (Pedagogical, methodological):Skills (Pedagogical, methodological):
self-study of professional scientific literature;
scientific research skills; skills required for preparing and delivering
a lesson; Skills required for writing assignments and
exams; presentation skills .
self-study of professional scientific literature;
scientific research skills; skills required for preparing and delivering
a lesson; Skills required for writing assignments and
exams; presentation skills .
Leiden Lorentz Center September 2014
Teacher certification programsTeacher certification programs
In addition to a bachelor degree in computer science, two components: courses and practical training which is accompanied by a workshop.Courses:
1.A course based on “Algorithmics” by Harel;2.A seminar course (based on the ’98 paper);3.A methods course.
In addition to a bachelor degree in computer science, two components: courses and practical training which is accompanied by a workshop.Courses:
1.A course based on “Algorithmics” by Harel;2.A seminar course (based on the ’98 paper);3.A methods course.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
The Seminar CourseThe Seminar Course
To acquire: self-study of professional scientific literature;
and scientific research skills; A reader of articles is provided, and students have to
search for articles in the digital library, covering the subjects mentioned before.
To acquire: presentation skills
Teacher students (in-service and pre-service) are required to present seminar papers;
To acquire: self-study of professional scientific literature;
and scientific research skills; A reader of articles is provided, and students have to
search for articles in the digital library, covering the subjects mentioned before.
To acquire: presentation skills
Teacher students (in-service and pre-service) are required to present seminar papers;
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Examples of Seminar papersExamples of Seminar papersTopic Examples
The history of CS The development of programming languages; of computers, of operating systems
CS curricula The development of CS curricula in the school system, in colleges and universities in different countries; gender and equity issues in CS programs worldwide
CS teaching issues The first programming language and its influence;
problems in teaching the CS1 introductory course; problems in teaching programming;
teaching different programming paradigms;
difficulties in teaching recursion and ways to assist teaching and learning ;
challenges in teaching efficiency and how to prevent them ;
misconceptions in CS ;
Methodology and pedagogy Visual tools to assist teaching and learning; games and aids in teaching CS topics such as programming, data structures and algorithms, Turing machines and complexity ;
project based learning; lab-based teaching; internet based learning
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
The Method CourseThe Method Course
Rewritten based on theHazzan, O., Lapidot, T. & Ragonis, N. 2011. Guide to teaching computer science. London: Springer-Verlag.
To acquire: skills required for preparing and delivering a lesson,teacher students are required to prepare classes and deliver them to their pears and instructors.
Rewritten based on theHazzan, O., Lapidot, T. & Ragonis, N. 2011. Guide to teaching computer science. London: Springer-Verlag.
To acquire: skills required for preparing and delivering a lesson,teacher students are required to prepare classes and deliver them to their pears and instructors.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Science exam-takers (advanced level) by genderScience exam-takers (advanced level) by gender
Discipline Gender 2009
Math Male 33.9%
Female 36.9%
Physics Male 13.1%
Female 6.2%
Chemistry Male 7.1%
Female 10.6%
Biology Male 14.5%
Female 21.6%
CS Male 9.8%
Female 3.9%
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Achievements in CS ExamAchievements in CS Exam
Year Male Achievements Female Achievements
5 units 1-3 units 5 units 1-3 units
2005 88.2 80.1 88.6 82.6
2006 88.9 81.6 89.2 83.6
2007 89.1 81.9 88.9 83.4
2008 89.0 78.1 88.9 80.9
2009 89.2 80.4 89.5 82.8
2010 90.1 81.1 90.5 82.9
2010 89.8 81.2 90.0 82.5
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Success???Success???
How do we measure success?
More students choose computer science;
and most important
How do we measure success?
More students choose computer science;
and most important
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
High School as
a pipeline to higher education
High School as
a pipeline to higher education
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Year of graduation
Level of exam
%of males who pursued higher computing education
%of females who pursued higher computing education
2004 0 2.6% 0.9%
1-3 4.0% 1.5%
5 19.9% 13.0%
2005 0 2.2% 1.1%
1-3 3.4% 2.1%
5 16%. 15.9%
2006 0 1.4% 0.9%
1-3 2.1% 2.0%
5 11.6% 15.2%Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
ChallengesChallenges
Maintain the discipline as an elective onthe same par as Physics, Biology, Chemistry;
Stick to long lasting basic/fundamental concepts; computational/algorithmic thinking;Language free!
Make the curriculum attractive for all, including women;
Maintain the discipline as an elective onthe same par as Physics, Biology, Chemistry;
Stick to long lasting basic/fundamental concepts; computational/algorithmic thinking;Language free!
Make the curriculum attractive for all, including women;
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
Keep the curriculum updated;
Computers in the Israeli social and geographical periphery;
Most important: Maintain the CS teachers community and a group of leaders;
Maintain a research community of University CS faculty and CS teachers.
Keep the curriculum updated;
Computers in the Israeli social and geographical periphery;
Most important: Maintain the CS teachers community and a group of leaders;
Maintain a research community of University CS faculty and CS teachers.
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
The Five Elements that
made it
The Five Elements that
made it
Computing in Israel, Leiden, September 2014
The Five Elements that make itThe Five Elements that make it
CS
Curriculum and Syllabus
CS Teachers’ Preparation/
Certification Programs
Mandatory CS Teaching License
CS Education Researchers Community
Leiden Lorentz Center September 2014
CS Teachers Community