Brian McDonald

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Brian McDonald’s research focuses on computing education, particularly the challenges and strategies for fostering effective collaboration among undergraduate students. His most-cited work, “Nurturing Collaboration in an Undergraduate Computing Course with Robot-themed Team Training and Team Building” (2019), addresses a critical gap in early computing curricula: while group projects are essential for progressing from introductory programming to professional software development, first-year students often struggle with teamwork. McDonald’s contribution lies in designing and evaluating robot-themed interventions—structured team training and team-building activities—that help students develop collaboration skills early and sustainably. This work, with 6 citations, has influenced pedagogical approaches in computing education by providing a replicable model for integrating teamwork training into technical courses. Though his citation count is modest, McDonald’s research is notable for its practical, student-centered focus, directly addressing a common pain point in computing programs. His findings offer actionable insights for educators seeking to prepare students for the collaborative demands of the software industry, making his work a valuable resource for curriculum designers and computing education researchers alike.