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ITICSE
2010
ACM

Helping students build a mental model of computation

13 years 7 months ago
Helping students build a mental model of computation
Introductory computer science classes are known for having a high attrition rate. Some authors believe this is due to students’ difficulties in establishing a mental model of computation. We present a tool designed to assist students in actively building a mental model of computation, and evaluate its use in an introductory programming class. We show use of the tool leads to 40% increase in course completion and that the students believe the tool helps them understand programming. Categories and Subject Descriptors K.3.2 [Computers and Education]: Computer and Information Science Education—Computer Science Education General Terms Algorithms, Design, Experimentation Keywords Active learning, program tracing, online tutoring
Steve Kollmansberger
Added 23 Aug 2010
Updated 23 Aug 2010
Type Conference
Year 2010
Where ITICSE
Authors Steve Kollmansberger
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