Dispositions, as described in Computing Curricula 2020 (CC2020), are professional attributes and cultivated behaviors desirable in the workplace. Examples of such qualities are being adaptable, meticulous, and self-directed. The eleven dispositions described in the CC2020 report should not be confused with the professional knowledge (of computing topics) or skills (including technical skills, as well as baseline skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, or communication). Dispositions, more inherent to human characteristics, identify individual qualities and behavioral patterns important for successful professional careers.

This special session engages its audience in examining pedagogical approaches for fostering dispositions among computing students. The session leaders collaborate on a multi-institutional project funded by the National Science Foundation. Using their experiences at four higher education institutions, they will demonstrate how to foster dispositions among computing students through two hands-on activities. The audience will get first-hand experience using reflection exercises and vignettes, and will participate in debating their design, merits, and limitations. This interaction should create much inquiry as it allows the audience ample time to discuss the benefits and challenges of incorporating and fostering dispositions in computing programs. The highly-interactive nature of the session should both motivate participants and provide them guidance on how to extend the current work to their own courses, programs, and institutions.