Dr Maria Kallia
- Lecturer in Computing Science Education (School of Computing Science)
Biography
Maria Kallia is an assistant professor within the school of Computing Science (Centre for Computing Science Education) at the University of Glasgow. Previously, she worked as postdoc in Computing Education at the University of Glasgow and Radboud University in the Netherlands. She has obtained her PhD at the School of Education at King's College London. Maria has also worked as a computer science teacher for six years in Greece. Her previous studies include a Master's in Education at the University of Roehampton, a Master's in Information Systems, and a BSc in Informatics at Athens University of Economics and Business.
Research interests
Main research interests
- pedagogy of computer programming
- cognitive and affective aspects of learning programming
- problem-solving and reasoning
- gender inequalities, students’ aspirations and participation in computer science
- exploring, developing, or altering theories of learning and sociological theories to address issues in computer science education
- interdisciplinary computing education
Grants
1. Postdoctoral and Early Career Researcher Exchange (PECE). Scottish Informatics & Computer Science Alliance (SICSA). May 2022 - July 2022. Maria Kallia.
2. CPHC Special Project Grants. Council of Professors and Heads of Computing. June 2022 - April 2023. Maria Kallia.
Supervision
- Alharbi, Noha Abdulkhalig M
Introducing a Research-Led Computer Science Framework in Primary Education - Gerosa Barboza, Anaclara
Embedded learning to promote computer science concept acquisition in young children - Looker, Nicola
A pedagogical framework for teaching computer programming: A social constructivist and cognitive load theory approach
Additional information
Awards:
- Best paper award: ICER 2021
- Honorable Mention: ICER 2022
- Honorable Mention: ICER 2023
Other Roles
University Role: Research Students Committee (RSC)
PC Member: ICER 2022, WiPSCE 2020, 2021, 2022, SiGSCE 2019, 2020, 2021
Journal Reviewer: Computers and Human Behaviour (Elsevier), Computer Science Education (Taylor and Francis), Computers and Education (Elsevier)
Research Projects
1. Inferential Reasoning
Maria is investigating inferential reasoning in programming problem solving and program comprehension. The project aims to understand the role of inferential reasoning in problem solving and solved programming problems (SPP) comprehension, identify the inferential strategies used by competend problem solvers and comprehenders as well as create a teaching framework for practicing inferential strategies in different programming tasks.
2. Argumentative Reasoning in Programming
Maria is investigating the role of argumentative reasoning in problem-solving in programming. The project is based on theories of argumentation and rhetoric and aims to develop a pedagogical framework that incorporates argumentative reasoning in the core of classroom and peer to peer interactions and discourse in computer programming courses.
3. Intrinsic Value of Computer Programming
Maria is investigating the intrinsic value of computer programming and the practices that academics employ to communicate it to first-year undergraduate students. The project aims to develop a framework that describes how learning experiences could be designed to communicate these values to undergraduate students as a means to enhance students’ motivation, interest, and computing identity.
4. Computer Science Participation
Maria is investigating the factors that influence CS participation from a sociological point of view. The overall aim of the project is to broaden CS participation and tackle inequalities at all levels of education.
5. Grounded Cognition in Computing Education
Maria is investigating the role of Grounded Cognition in conceptual development in computing. Together with Anaclara Gerosa, a PhD student, they aim to design learning trajectories for promoting computer science concept acquisition in the early years of computing education based on Grounded Cognition theorisations.