Mastering Binary Search Trees: Innovative, Interactive, and Student-Centric Teaching Philosophy

Date: September 21, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: 432 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611
Host: Department of CISE
Admission: Free

Biography:
Fatemeh Tavassoli is a computer scientist pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Florida, with an anticipated graduation date in Spring 2024. Her primary research interest centers on machine learning, particularly the application of machine learning in disease prediction within the bioinformatics domain. She holds an M.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Florida and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, Iran.With significant teaching experience, she has served as a teaching assistant for a wide range of courses at the University of Florida, including “Data Structures and Algorithms (COP 3530),” “Fundamentals of Computer Networks (CNT4007),”
“Programming Fundamentals for CIS Majors II
(COP3503),” and “Virtual Reality for the Social Good
(CIS6930/CIS4930/JOU4930).” Additionally, she held the role of a section leader at Stanford University for the
“Introductory Python Course.” In the research domain, Fatemeh has been a proactive contributor to her dissertation project, which focuses on disease prediction through the analysis of gut microbiome data using machine learning techniques. Moreover, she conducted research on virtual reality simulation projects for healthcare applications in close collaboration with esteemed professors. Her research efforts have resulted in several notable publications, including the receipt of the Best Paper Award from the ACM International Conference on Intelligent Virtual Agents and the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) Technology Award. She has also been honored with the prestigious Gartner Group Graduate Fellowship.

Abstract:
This one-hour talk is structured into two parts: first, a comprehensive teaching demonstration on Binary Search Trees (BSTs), and then a deep dive into effective teaching philosophy. Each segment is followed by a Q&A session.
Teaching Demo (30 minutes):
Whether you are a novice or well-versed in the world of BSTs, this session promises valuable insights into my unique teaching approach. We will explore key concepts, analyze algorithms, and engage in hands-on coding practices to foster a dynamic learning environment.
Teaching Philosophy (30 minutes):
In the second half of this presentation, I will share my teaching philosophy, which emphasizes dynamic classrooms through experiential learning, engaging students interactively, and embracing inclusivity to appreciate diverse perspectives. I will also discuss the courses I aspire to teach and provide practical insights from my experiences as both an educator and a student in the field of education, including the significance of strong organizational skills and well-defined assessments.
Join me in this educational talk, where theory meets practice to empower the next generation of learners. Make sure to bring your laptop for the hands-on coding experience