Dr Matthew Pike
Assistant Professor in Computer Science
Dr Matthew Pike is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science, which he joined in September 2018. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, which advocates evidence-based teaching methods and is responsible for the UK Professional Standards Framework. In 2021, Matthew led a successful provincial level application to recognize the Final Year dissertation module (COMP3050 Individual Dissertation) as being a 'First Class' module.
Matthew received his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Nottingham, UK (2017), and a M.Eng. in Computing from Swansea University, Wales, UK (2013). His principal research interests center around understanding how humans interact with computing devices.
Matthew's teaching philosophy is constructivist in essence, meaning that knowledge and understanding develop from student's experiences. He places a strong emphasis on linking course material to existing experiences students bring into the classroom, promotes this practice by explaining theoretical concepts using practical, every-day examples. Matthew employs a practice driven approach to teaching. He structures his classes such that theoretical concepts are immediately reinforced with practical examples and exercises.
Computer Science is a rapidly evolving field, with new technology paradigms and technological approaches being introduced at a continuous rate. In this environment, delivering 'knowledge' alone, will not equip students with the skills necessary to adapt and evolve to future developments. Matthew's teaching philosophy views teaching as a process of providing students with the tools to acquire knowledge and understanding for themselves, rather than dictating knowledge to students, verbatim (’Superficial Learning’). Matthew places students at the centre of this approach. He believes that it is important to promote students' responsibility in taking ownership of their learning process, whilst recognizing that not every student is equipped to immediately achieve this. In this case, his role as the teacher is to provide structure and direction to the classroom to ensure the learning outcomes are achieved.
Matthew firmly believes that evaluating the relative success of the intended learning outcomes must occur on both the student and teacher side. From the student learning perspective, he employs a number of approaches to test if the learning objectives have been achieved. Feedback from students provide some gauge of student understanding in class. Similarly, technological quizzes in class can also assist in this. Naturally, assessment plays a role in evaluating the outcomes of student learning. Matthew also champions a continual feedback system in all the module he convenes, enabling students to provide anonymous feedback on a continual basis. Matthew has found great value in following this approach and has adapted his teaching, where appropriate and possible, to address student concerns.
Besides teaching, he loves sports, like football and badminton. Surprisingly, he is also a big fan of China's national ball - table tennis. He would also take this opportunity to encourage students maintain a balance in both life and study/work and pursue that are of genuine interest to you.