Rethinking pedagogy for computer architecture: A Simplified Approach to teach a Processor (SAtTaP)

Computer architecture is considered one of the dry and hard-to-learn courses for students in the computer science discipline. Therefore, educational institutions experiment with different pedagogical approaches to enhance students’ performance and interest in courses. This study introduces a Simplified Approach to Teach a Processor (SAtTaP), a reformed version of the computer architecture course. The study aims to confirm that the proposed simplified approach, SAtTaP, enhances students’ performance and interest in the courses. Data was collected through multiple methods including an online survey based on the Technology Acceptance Model, students’ interviews, and students’ grades obtained in pre and post-implementation of the SAtTaP. The study participants were students enrolled in an undergraduate program in computer science discipline at the University of Bari, Italy. The data was analyzed using SmartPLS and NVivo. The data analysis shows that the students were delighted and interested in the computer architecture course when taught using the SAtTaP. Furthermore, by comparing the grades of pre and post-implementation of the SAtTaP, an improvement in the student’s performance and a decrease in the failure rate were found. The study’s findings have the potential to inform and shape the way computer science is taught and learned in higher education, with potential benefits for both students and educators.