2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Algorithms and Data Structures are core concepts taught in all computing undergraduate programs. It is important to ensure that student activities in the class lay the foundation and prepare them for future courses and career. In addition, assessment should allow for students to develop a growth mindset. The course may benefit with a grading system can be designed to allow for students to revise and resubmit their programming tasks, have formative assessments to test their understanding, and focus on students mastering skills rather than chasing after points. In addition, active learning is a great way to provide hands-on engagement with the materials, which might prepare students better for future courses and career. This paper describes the author's experience in designing activities and specifications grading for an undergraduate core algorithms and data structures course.