A trial of learning programming using a six-step method
List of Authors
  • Tatsuhiro Tamaki , Yasuo Uchida

Keyword
  • six-step method, learning programming, CS unplugged, CS plugged

Abstract
  • CS (Computer Science) unplugged is an educational method, highly effective for learning, in which students learn about information science through experiences that do not involve the use of computers. A wide range of research is being conducted in this area. However, much of the previous research has not gone beyond experiencing CS unplugged, or has been limited in terms of connections to full-fledged programming education. Thus, we have incorporated a method called CS plugged as a new approach for complementing CS unplugged, and proposed a method for learning programming comprising six steps. In CS unplugged, the basic idea is to not use computers, but our view is that education techniques using computers are essential as a bridge to full-fledged programming. Our aim is to establish a learning method made up of the following six steps: (1) Step 1: CS unplugged, (2) Step 2: CS plugged, (3) Step 3: Diagramming of processing for an activity (visualization), (4) Step 4: Natural language description of processing for the activity (abstraction, element extraction), (5) Step 5: Confirming operation of the algorithm using a trace table to which original expressions have been added (verification), and (6) Step 6: Writing full-fledged program code (abstraction, coding). This research used the six-step method in a C language programming class for young adults at a level corresponding to second-year high school students. This paper provides an overview of the research.

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