What do you teach?
I teach Introduction to the Foundations of Computation.
Why should people learn about it?
Computing science is about problem solving. It teaches you how to analyze a problem, devise a plan to solve the problem and then implement the solution. This could be an iterative process until an effective and efficient solution to the problem is found. The skills that one acquires in learning how to solve problems can be applied to mundane problems or to problems encountered in any field of study.
What are some of its "real-world" applications?
Computing science is a broad field of study that has many "real world" applications. These real-word applications can vary from simple, such as a calculator, to more complex, such as self-flying drones. One particular real-world application that most students can relate to is computer games.
What's the coolest thing about this subject area?
In Introduction to the Foundations of Computation, the coolest thing is that students get to build their own interactive, graphical games that not only showcase their skills but also can be played with family and friends.
You are this year's winner of the Kathleen W. Klawe Prize for Excellence in Teaching of Large Classes. What are some of the key considerations you take when teaching a big class?
Some of the key considerations in teaching large classes are:
- Setting up a course website where important information can be accessed easily.
- Designing assessments that can be marked and returned to the students in a reasonable amount of time.
- Giving feedback to students on their course work in an effective and efficient manner.
- Promoting mutual support and respect in the classroom.
- Establishing a rapport with the students.
- Adopting various strategies to increase student involvement and engagement in the classroom.
You've been described as respectful and student-focused. Why do you think those qualities are important in an instructor?
These qualities were very important to me as a student. I learned the most from teachers who were respectful and caring. They motivated me to do the best that I could as a person and as a student.
What was your favourite learning experience as an undergrad, and how do you incorporate that experience into teaching your students?
I was fortunate to have teachers who promoted active learning in the classrooms. This brought about discussions in the classroom, which enhanced the learning experience. I believe that we are able to acquire a deeper understanding of a problem once we start talking about it and sharing our ideas with our peers. A student in a large class is often intimidated by peer judgment and afraid to answer questions or participate in class discussions. I feel this hesitation impedes their learning and may lead them to fall behind in their course work. I try different strategies during the term to increase classroom engagement. I endeavor to make students comfortable by starting discussions about the problem using analogies from everyday life that they can relate to. If I make an error in writing out a program, I seize it as a teachable moment to make them understand that it is human to make mistakes, and it gives us an opportunity to learn and improve. I also give out work sheets in my class and have students work in groups on a problem. While they work on this problem, I go around the classroom giving them hands-on help with the problem, asking questions of the group. Some students are more inclined to ask a question or answer one in a small group setting.
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
People would be surprised to know that before I came to Canada, I worked for five years in the IT department of Standard Chartered Bank, a British multinational bank. The bank has branches in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa and I frequently traveled these regions. I have had the good fortune of meeting people of different race, religion, and cultural background, which of course makes me a perfect fit for life in Canada.
