A theory of instruction for introductory programming skills

ABSTRACT

Background and Context: Current introductory instruction fails to identify, structure, and sequence the many skills involved in programming.

Objective: We proposed a theory which identifies four distinct skills that novices learn incrementally. These skills are tracing, writing syntax, comprehending templates (reusable abstractions of programming knowledge), and writing code with templates. We theorized that explicit instruction of these skills decreases cognitive demand.

Method: We conducted an exploratory mixed-methods study and compared students’ exercise completion rates, error rates, ability to explain code, and engagement when learning to program. We compared material that reflects this theory to more traditional material that does not distinguish between skills.

Findings: Teaching skills incrementally resulted in improved completion rate on practice exercises, and decreased error rate and improved understanding of the post-test.

Implications: By structuring programming skills such that they can be taught explicitly and incrementally, we can inform instructional design and improve future research on understanding how novice programmers develop understanding.     

Computer science and engineering: utilizing action research and lesson study

ABSTRACT

This article explores one group’s use of action research (AR) and lesson study in three US university-level computer science courses affecting 85 undergraduate computer science and engineering students. It offers an overview of three areas including AR, lesson study, and engineering soft skills. The research group identified a problem: undergraduate engineering student soft skill understanding. The group collaborated to enhance participant engagement with this problem by utilizing one lesson focused on soft skills over three research lesson iterations in three distinct university semesters (2017-2018). Field notes were the main data collection method. Observational field notes were recorded in the three research lesson iterations, and themes from the notes were identified. The group valued peer interactions, and the research lesson adaptations as well as pedagogical changes were based on evidence. Four themes were identified, and participant comments were considered as the lessons became more focused . The research group argues that AR and lesson study are separate and distinct ventures based on this yearlong experience, which is counter to some other literature presented. Implications are large for all stakeholders interested in AR, lesson study, soft skill utilization, conflict management, and participant learning impact. Possibilities for enhanced participant engagement exists with honed lesson pedagogy.     

高职计算机课程教学中学生创新能力的培养研究

在高职计算机课程教学中,培养学生的创新能力非常重要,能够增强学生对工作岗位的适应性。但目前高职计算机课程教学中存在诸多不足,影响了对学生创新能力的培养。因此,有必要采取改进措施,从多个方面入手,改革教学方式方法,如创设趣味情境,激发学生创新热情;设计开放任务,促进学生创新思考;组织创意大赛,培养学生创新能力;鼓励质疑探究,发展学生创新思维。只有这样,才能有效培养学生的创新能力,提升高职计算机课程教学效果。     

耶律楚材西域纪行诗丝路意象的文化传达

耶律楚材的西域纪行诗既有汉族文人的特色,又有着独特的民族与文化内蕴。一方面,耶律楚材继承了汉文化,体现出他对“宋型文化”的接受与“汉代情节”的书写 另一方面,耶律楚材建构了诗性审美情思,他将丝路意象与异域田园风光完美地融合,并且以“吏隐”的文化身份在异域“诗意的栖居”。而他提出“华夷一混”的先进民族观不仅超越了民族界线,更增进了各民族之间的情感,无疑具有进步意义。     

基于计算思维的大学生计算机文化基础课程线上教学

计算机文化基础课程是各高校为大一新生开设的一门基础课,在教学中,我们应该从传统的技能培养转变为思维能力的培养。针对教学中存在的问题,从线上教学模式、教学内容等方面提出了改革的措施。     

语文部编教材“交流平台”板块的教学价值和策略探析

教师在教学中要充分解读语文部编教材“交流平台”板块蕴含的语文因素,为学生提供方法指导,使学生在养成良好阅读习惯的同时不断提升语文核心素养。文章分析语文部编教材“交流平台”板块设计的意义,并对语文部编教材“交流平台”板块的教学策略进行探讨。     

一个实用的网上投票系统

我们为北仑区电信杯网页设计大赛设计了一个主页。该主页界面简单，主要是一些网页大赛优秀作品的链接，并具有在线投票功能，可以让网友参与评分。现已被北仑港网站（http://www.blport.net.cn）选用。本叙述其设计过程。     

音乐教育的数字化

随着电脑多媒体技术的日益成熟，音乐教育的方式也在逐步地趋于数字化，其作用和成就体现在现行音乐教育的各个方面，如钢琴集体课、和声教学课，视唱练耳课以及其他许多可以利用电脑资源的教学课程，这不仅节省了大量的教育资源，同时也改变着传统的音乐教学方式，为现代音乐教育拓展出了更大的空间。     

计算机绘图直接应用于工程制图教学

将计算机绘图直接应用于工程制图的教学实践进行总结,对实际工作有很大的启迪。如何把计算机绘图与传统制图教学有机地结合起来,是当前高等学校工程制图教学中探索的主要内容。     

浅谈非言语交际

人们在日常生活中的交际方式有两种:言语交际和非言语交际。许多人很难意识到非言语交际的重要性及其潜力。许多学者的研究表明:在面对面交际中有70％的信息是通过非言语手段进行的,用言语方式表达的只有30％。由于非言语交际在人类的交际中占有举足轻重的地位,了解这门学科不仅是必要的而且也是很重要的。作者从非言语交际的历史背景、基本分类、交际功能及主要特征这几方面对非言语交际这门学科作了简要阐述。