ResearchComputer Science Education Research Group

The Computer Science Education Research Group conducts research and undertakes scholarship activities in computer science pedagogy.

The group members have expertise in areas such as automated assessment of programming, active learning in cyber security education, and accessible computing science education amongst others.

Meet the team

Academic Research interests
Roseanne English
(Research Group Lead)

Rose’s primary research interests and expertise focus on innovative student-centred teaching and learning strategies in a cyber security context.

These include, but are not limited to, scenario-based learning, flipped classrooms, and the use of classroom response systems for continuous assessment and feedback.

Rose is also interested in supporting the development of transferable skills for computing students and making computing education accessible.

Martin Goodfellow
(Research Group Deputy)

Martin's research interests are in automated marking, blended learning, using generative AI to improve programming education, and in the general area of data systems education.

Damien Anderson

Damien's teaching research focuses on gamification, developing AI tools for higher education assessments, engaging students through innovative teaching delivery, and the impact of outreach activities on SIMD40.

Lee Clift

Lee's research involves integrating Generative AI tools in higher education assessments, emphasising industry-informed authentic evaluation methods and impactful outreach initiatives.

Joseph el Gemayel

Joseph is interested in advancing AI techniques, with a focus on game-based learning and AI-driven educational applications. He aims to develop intelligent and adaptive systems to improve learning experiences.

Andrew Fagan

Andrew's research interests are in:

  • automated assessment
  • novel approaches to classroom dynamics, such as team teaching
  • teamwork and peer assessment strategies
Alasdair Lambert

Alasdair's research focuses on aspects of functional programming, whether they can be made more accessible, and whether the tools used in this setting can improve the understanding of programming more generally. He's also interested in team teaching and the use of theatrical techniques in an educational context. 

Fraser Macdonald

Fraser's teaching research interests centre on work-based learning, exploring how engaging learning can be used in apprenticeship degrees to support apprentices in acquiring and demonstrating rounded academic and workplace experiences, and providing them with a platform for career growth.

Leila Shafti

Leila's teaching research focuses on student engagement and interactive learning in online and in-person classrooms.

She's particularly interested in automated assessment and feedback, simplifying complex computer science topics for struggling students, and using virtual learning environments (VLE) and AI tools to enhance interactivity.