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This three-part volume provides a summary, for use by practitioners, of a project concerned with how novices learn to become creative educational computer users. The first chapter examines techniques for increasing the novice's understanding of computers and computer programming, and specifically analyzes the potential usefulness of five recommendations for the design of computer literacy curricula. For each recommendation, a statement of the issue, an example, relevant background, and a brief review of the relevant research literature are provided. In the second chapter, a framework is presented for describing users' knowledge of how a simple 4-function calculator operates, and data on individual differences among novices and experts in their conceptions of a calculator's internal operations for various sequences are summarized. The third chapter provides a summary of a study in which 30 undergraduates learned BASIC programming language through a self-paced mastery manual and were tested on their mental models for the execution of each of nine BASIC statements. A catalog is then presented of beginning programmer's conceptions of the internal functions of the computer for each of the BASIC statements based on test results. Each section includes tables and references. (LMM)

This paper, prepared for a symposium on the interface of computer sciences and statistics, addresses the use of computers in the teaching of statistics. Two principle means of integrating the fields of computer science education with education in statistics are identified: (1) integrating the content of statistics in courses on computers, and (2) using computers as a method of statistics instruction. The first half of the paper provides a review of six textbooks in current use; three present statistical concepts and problems as examples of programming problems, while the remaining three are designed to teach statistics using computers as an aid in problem solving. The second half of the paper is devoted to a review of research and evaluation findings related to computer assisted instruction, simulations, and both interactional and non-interactional statistical packages. A bibliography containing 62 titles is included. (SD)

Includes index

This 5-section report summarizes the results of a project concerned with how novices learn to become creative educational computer users. Based on a cognitive analysis of elementary programming statements in BASIC and calculator language into conceptual units, the project builds on previous research on learning BASIC programming. A general description of the project is followed by a review of the literature on the psychology of computer programming, especially research in cognitive psychology related to beginning programming. The analysis of both a calculator language and BASIC into conceptual units and the evaluation of users' knowledge is then described. Data on the frequency of misconceptions in users' knowledge of calculator and BASIC languages are presented. Focusing on instructional techniques useful in the remediation of specific misconceptions of users' knowledge of calculator and BASIC languages, the final chapters explore the effectiveness of teaching mental models and whether use of the models enhances problem-solving performance. References are included in each section, and an appendix lists additional papers and publications which are products of the project under review (either published or in preparation). (LMM)

This study investigated the cognitive benefits of learning how to program by determining the degree of cognitive transfer of programming skills at a construct level to solving analogous problems in other domains. Subjects, who were students enrolled in four sections of the beginning Pascal programming course and two sections of a calculus course, were assigned to the experimental group or one of two control groups. For both the experimental group (n=42) and the first control group (n=51), the programming course consisted of 150 minutes of lecture and 150 minutes of laboratory per week. Both groups were given instruction in programming and in the language Pascal through lectures and laboratory activities lasting 6 weeks and 4 weeks respectively. Only the experimental group was taught loop and nested loop constructs and the corresponding Pascal codes whose outputs embodied the combination and intersection schema of Piaget. The second control group (n=38) was given instruction in calculus consisting of 200 minutes of lectures per week for 7 weeks. Results showed significant effects of learning the nested loop construct on solving analogous problems in other domains. By using a tracer, the degree of learning of the nested loop construct was positively related to the degree of transfer. Students who scored higher on the achievement test, which was used in determining understanding and mastery of the nested loop construct, scored higher on the transfer posttest than those who scored lower on the achievement test. Students who learned the nested loop construct and who did not perform well on the transfer posttest showed significant improvement after a hint was given. (Contains 7 tables and 32 references.) (Author/ALF)

This study investigated the cognitive benefits of learning how to program by determining the degree of cognitive transfer of programming skills at a construct level to solving analogous problems in other domains. Subjects, who were students enrolled in four sections of the beginning Pascal programming course and two sections of a calculus course, were assigned to the experimental group or one of two control groups. For both the experimental group (n=42) and the first control group (n=51), the programming course consisted of 150 minutes of lecture and 150 minutes of laboratory per week. Both groups were given instruction in programming and in the language Pascal through lectures and laboratory activities lasting 6 weeks and 4 weeks respectively. Only the experimental group was taught loop and nested loop constructs and the corresponding Pascal codes whose outputs embodied the combination and intersection schema of Piaget. The second control group (n=38) was given instruction in calculus consisting of 200 minutes of lectures per week for 7 weeks. Results showed significant effects of learning the nested loop construct on solving analogous problems in other domains. By using a tracer, the degree of learning of the nested loop construct was positively related to the degree of transfer. Students who scored higher on the achievement test, which was used in determining understanding and mastery of the nested loop construct, scored higher on the transfer posttest than those who scored lower on the achievement test. Students who learned the nested loop construct and who did not perform well on the transfer posttest showed significant improvement after a hint was given. (Contains 7 tables and 32 references.) (Author/ALF)

Lectures from the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning - Computer Science and Engineering - Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming

Lectures from the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning - Computer Science and Engineering - Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming

Lectures from the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning - Computer Science and Engineering - Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming

This paper describes part of a course for college freshmen entitled "Computation, Reasoning, and Problem Solving," which uses the LOGO programming language to integrate computer programming skills, collaborative problem solving skills, and writing skills. Discussion of the computer programming component includes two of the LOGO problem sets, which compare a priori and a posteriori reasoning, one at the beginning and one at the intermediate level. It is noted that a problem is presented at each level, the LOGO skills necessary to approach the problem are provided, and a guided interaction between the teacher and the student occurs. The two major techniques used to teach collaborative problem-solving are then discussed, i.e., the use of projects that facilitate collaborative learning via top-down design and the Whimbey and Lochhead's "Problem Solving and Comprehension" (1986). The types of writing assignments required by the course are also described, and a summary of the results achieved in teaching the course over the past five years concludes the report. The text is supplemented by two figures and five tables, and sample course materials and an evaluation questionnaire for students are appended. (5 references) (EW)

This paper describes part of a course for college freshmen entitled "Computation, Reasoning, and Problem Solving," which uses the LOGO programming language to integrate computer programming skills, collaborative problem solving skills, and writing skills. Discussion of the computer programming component includes two of the LOGO problem sets, which compare a priori and a posteriori reasoning, one at the beginning and one at the intermediate level. It is noted that a problem is presented at each level, the LOGO skills necessary to approach the problem are provided, and a guided interaction between the teacher and the student occurs. The two major techniques used to teach collaborative problem-solving are then discussed, i.e., the use of projects that facilitate collaborative learning via top-down design and the Whimbey and Lochhead's "Problem Solving and Comprehension" (1986). The types of writing assignments required by the course are also described, and a summary of the results achieved in teaching the course over the past five years concludes the report. The text is supplemented by two figures and five tables, and sample course materials and an evaluation questionnaire for students are appended. (5 references) (EW)

The introductory computer programming (CP) course has been taught for three decades in the faculty. Besides pursuing CP technology, one major goal has been enhancing learners' problem-solving (PS) skills. However, the current situation has implied that this might not be the case. Therefore, a research was conducted to investigate the effects of a web-supported and well-structured PS instructional method on academic achievements and PS perceptions of learners. This was a quasi-experimental study with a posttest-only design that included a control group. While the web-supported and traditional approach was adopted for the control group, the experimental group was treated with the web-supported and well-structured PS method. A cluster random sampling was used and the existing 18 sections were randomly assigned to the study groups. Consequently, 6 faculty members and 433 freshman undergraduate students participated in the study for one semester. The students' PS perceptions were assessed by the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) and their CP performances were measured by an academic achievement test. The results indicated a significant difference between the groups in terms of CP achievements. Except for one factor of the PSI, there were also significant differences between the groups in terms of their PS perceptions.

The introductory computer programming (CP) course has been taught for three decades in the faculty. Besides pursuing CP technology, one major goal has been enhancing learners' problem-solving (PS) skills. However, the current situation has implied that this might not be the case. Therefore, a research was conducted to investigate the effects of a web-supported and well-structured PS instructional method on academic achievements and PS perceptions of learners. This was a quasi-experimental study with a posttest-only design that included a control group. While the web-supported and traditional approach was adopted for the control group, the experimental group was treated with the web-supported and well-structured PS method. A cluster random sampling was used and the existing 18 sections were randomly assigned to the study groups. Consequently, 6 faculty members and 433 freshman undergraduate students participated in the study for one semester. The students' PS perceptions were assessed by the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) and their CP performances were measured by an academic achievement test. The results indicated a significant difference between the groups in terms of CP achievements. Except for one factor of the PSI, there were also significant differences between the groups in terms of their PS perceptions.

The introductory computer programming (CP) course has been taught for three decades in the faculty. Besides pursuing CP technology, one major goal has been enhancing learners' problem-solving (PS) skills. However, the current situation has implied that this might not be the case. Therefore, a research was conducted to investigate the effects of a web-supported and well-structured PS instructional method on academic achievements and PS perceptions of learners. This was a quasi-experimental study with a posttest-only design that included a control group. While the web-supported and traditional approach was adopted for the control group, the experimental group was treated with the web-supported and well-structured PS method. A cluster random sampling was used and the existing 18 sections were randomly assigned to the study groups. Consequently, 6 faculty members and 433 freshman undergraduate students participated in the study for one semester. The students' PS perceptions were assessed by the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) and their CP performances were measured by an academic achievement test. The results indicated a significant difference between the groups in terms of CP achievements. Except for one factor of the PSI, there were also significant differences between the groups in terms of their PS perceptions.

The introductory computer programming (CP) course has been taught for three decades in the faculty. Besides pursuing CP technology, one major goal has been enhancing learners' problem-solving (PS) skills. However, the current situation has implied that this might not be the case. Therefore, a research was conducted to investigate the effects of a web-supported and well-structured PS instructional method on academic achievements and PS perceptions of learners. This was a quasi-experimental study with a posttest-only design that included a control group. While the web-supported and traditional approach was adopted for the control group, the experimental group was treated with the web-supported and well-structured PS method. A cluster random sampling was used and the existing 18 sections were randomly assigned to the study groups. Consequently, 6 faculty members and 433 freshman undergraduate students participated in the study for one semester. The students' PS perceptions were assessed by the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) and their CP performances were measured by an academic achievement test. The results indicated a significant difference between the groups in terms of CP achievements. Except for one factor of the PSI, there were also significant differences between the groups in terms of their PS perceptions.

The introductory computer programming (CP) course has been taught for three decades in the faculty. Besides pursuing CP technology, one major goal has been enhancing learners' problem-solving (PS) skills. However, the current situation has implied that this might not be the case. Therefore, a research was conducted to investigate the effects of a web-supported and well-structured PS instructional method on academic achievements and PS perceptions of learners. This was a quasi-experimental study with a posttest-only design that included a control group. While the web-supported and traditional approach was adopted for the control group, the experimental group was treated with the web-supported and well-structured PS method. A cluster random sampling was used and the existing 18 sections were randomly assigned to the study groups. Consequently, 6 faculty members and 433 freshman undergraduate students participated in the study for one semester. The students' PS perceptions were assessed by the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) and their CP performances were measured by an academic achievement test. The results indicated a significant difference between the groups in terms of CP achievements. Except for one factor of the PSI, there were also significant differences between the groups in terms of their PS perceptions.

The introductory computer programming (CP) course has been taught for three decades in the faculty. Besides pursuing CP technology, one major goal has been enhancing learners' problem-solving (PS) skills. However, the current situation has implied that this might not be the case. Therefore, a research was conducted to investigate the effects of a web-supported and well-structured PS instructional method on academic achievements and PS perceptions of learners. This was a quasi-experimental study with a posttest-only design that included a control group. While the web-supported and traditional approach was adopted for the control group, the experimental group was treated with the web-supported and well-structured PS method. A cluster random sampling was used and the existing 18 sections were randomly assigned to the study groups. Consequently, 6 faculty members and 433 freshman undergraduate students participated in the study for one semester. The students' PS perceptions were assessed by the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) and their CP performances were measured by an academic achievement test. The results indicated a significant difference between the groups in terms of CP achievements. Except for one factor of the PSI, there were also significant differences between the groups in terms of their PS perceptions.