Study circles in programming courses

Last modified 1.9.2005

In the courses Introduction to Programming and Java Programming the students are encouraged to do the course exercises in study circles.

In the first exercise session the students of the group will be divided (possibly in a self-organising manner) into groups of 3-5 persons known as study circles. Each group will solve the current assignments together between exercise group meetings.

In the beginning of the first exercise group meeting, after the study circles have been formed, a circle will choose its name. Then it will give the group's name, along with members' names and e-mail addresses, to the teacher. The time and place of the first circle meeting will be decided, right after the circle has been formed, by the circle members themselves.

In its exercise group the circle will mark all the assignments it has completed - to the checklist - as a whole. Each member will get the points of the group. However, only the members who are present in the exercise session are allowed to mark any exercises to the checklist.

The study circle members will get the most out of the study circle practice if they gather every week during the course at least once, and ponder the assignments themselves. However, if the need arises, there is a possibility to obtain support from a teacher.

Rules and practices:

Ideas and good-willed advice


(* list by Susanna Lähteenoja, researcher in social psychology