74.102 Introductory Computer Science II
Summer 2001 - University of Manitoba
Overview
The introductory course 74.102 was the second course I ever taught and started immediately after
74.101 was completed. It was a summer course scheduled Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00-10:00 pm and ran
from June 18, 2001 to August 1, 2001. The class size was approximately 115 students. After my
trial-by-fire in 74.101, I was better prepared for 74.102. This was important because now I was the only
section of the course being offered whereas for 74.101 I could draw on the experience of the instructor
for the other section. I had a very good bond with many of the students and received many positive
comments about the class.
On-line Resources
Student Performance
Of the 115 registered students who started the course, 96 passed the course for a very high 83.5%
pass rate. Usual pass rates for this course are around 50-60%. Once again the introduction of the
labs and talented lab instructors improved the pass rate. However, I am particularly proud of this class
and their achievements because many of the students were repeating the course after having failed it in
the previous spring regular session. Many of these students turned D's and F's into A's and even A+'s by
hard work. These students deserve a lot of credit, and I am very proud on how they bought into my
teaching philosophy and style to achieve their goals. The average GPA was 3.65 or a B+.
Comments
- "You were honestly the best professor I have had the pleasure to take a course with. Your way of
getting the class involved and your ability to get concepts across was invaluable. If I took this course
with you the first time, I am sure I would not have had to repeat it." -- a student who received
an A+ on his second opportunity
- "Thanks a lot for your guidance. Honestly, it is your help and encouragement which helps me to
get through those 101 and 102 courses." -- a student with limited programming experience who took
both 74.101 and 74.102. With an unbelievable work ethic, she caught up to the background experience of
the rest of the class. She showed amazing ongoing improvement from where she first began and became an
"A" student.
- "I like the notes, and the way this instructor teaches. He makes things very
clear."
- "A very enjoyable and informative course that was well taught. Thanks."
- "Dr. Lawrence is a very good professor. He marks on concepts and knowledge. He is
friendly and approachable and to this day is the best professor overall in Computer
Science."
- "I have never learn[ed] so much programming stuff in my life. Thank you Ramon."
- "Prof. Lawrence explains things very clearly and really cares about his students'
success. It's a pleasure to be in his class!"
- "I thought that Ramon Lawrence was one of the best prof[essors] I've ever had. ... I can also say
he's been an influence to me and encouraged us all not to be quitters (I'm still expecting to fail since
its too much to learn in too little time.)"
- One of my proudest achievements for this course is the number of students who said that I was the
best professor they have had. It is truly an honor to receive such comments. Here are a few:
- "Best comp[uter] instructor I've had yet."
- "Great teacher. As good as I've had at U. of M."
- "The best instructor I have had at U. of M. or U. of W. An asset to the university,
it's a shame we are losing him to the States."
- "Ramon is a great prof! The people in Iowa City are lucky!"
- "This prof is exceptional."
- "Dr. Lawrence was the best instructor for Computer Science I've had by
far. I understand so much more now than I did at the end of regular session 102."
- "This is the BEST instructor I have ever had!!"
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