Linear algebra or intro to programming courses have higher failure rate?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on comparing the failure rates of linear algebra and introductory programming courses, particularly in the context of computer science (CS) majors and the potential influence of student backgrounds on these rates.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question which course, linear algebra or intro to programming, has a higher failure rate, noting that the demographics of students may skew the results.
  • One participant suggests that a CS major struggling with an intro to programming course might indicate a concerning lack of preparedness.
  • Another participant shares a historical perspective, mentioning that some universities have used introductory programming courses as a screening tool, resulting in high dropout rates to filter out less prepared students.
  • A participant notes that at their university, the failure rate for intro to CS was higher due to the enrollment of non-traditional students, such as liberal arts majors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reasons behind failure rates in these courses, with no consensus reached on which course has a higher failure rate or the implications of student backgrounds.

Contextual Notes

Discussion reflects varying experiences and perceptions of course difficulty, influenced by student demographics and institutional practices, without resolving the underlying factors contributing to failure rates.

annoyinggirl
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which has higher failure rate: linear algebra or intro to programming. I understand failure rate might be skewed: math majors, who are gifted and interested in math, are required to take linear algebra but not intro to programming, while CS majors are required to take both. Which class do CS majors tend to struggle with more?
 
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annoyinggirl said:
which has higher failure rate: linear algebra or intro to programming. I understand failure rate might be skewed: math majors, who are gifted and interested in math, are required to take linear algebra but not intro to programming, while CS majors are required to take both. Which class do CS majors tend to struggle with more?
Why would a CS major have a problem with an Intro to Programming course? That would be kind of a red flag, no?
 
berkeman said:
Why would a CS major have a problem with an Intro to Programming course? That would be kind of a red flag, no?

This is/was true at some schools where they have a high level of students wanting to pursue CS and so they use an intro course to screen out students.

My first experience of this was in the 80's when my wife took a CS class. It had a 50% drop out rate and I asked why and was told its to weed out the students who don't already know something about programming and this was just before the era of the personal computer. I'm sure big universities do this still although its more accepted and students are expected to have a high level of proficiency when they attend the class.
 
Interesting, I did not know that. Thanks.
 
At my university Intro to CS had a much higher failure rate because a lot of "non-traditional" students such as liberal arts majors took it.
 

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