Abstract
In this paper we share the first findings from teaching computer science (CS) on Czech grammar schools (GS). We first describe the basic situation and the goals of our research.
Then we describe briefly the goals, content and methods of the developed CS course. Afterward we proceed to the first results, as we are at the end of the first school year of experimental education.
Czech GS (students aged 15-19) aim to provide classical education and general knowledge as a basis for further university studies of nearly any field. However, CS is not a part of standard grammar school education in the Czech Republic.
It is mentioned only briefly in curricular documents, and often completely missing in real classes (unlike information technology related education). We see this as a mistake, considering the role of CS in our lives and its potential to develop higher cognitive skills and key competencies (mostly problem and communication related).
The outcomes of the first year of CS teaching serve as a valuable feedback. We have now an idea about the limits of CS education in the given context (including time frame, method and knowledge from other subjects).
The main results are as follows. Basics of CS are fairly well accessible for GS students and motivating and beneficial at the same time.
Most of the goals we have set for the course is actually achievable. The chosen methods work as expected.
These results are used to refine the course for the next school year and to allow us to obtain more detailed findings about CS education effects.