Necessity is the mother of language features

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

A common problem when teaching CS1 courses to non-CS majors is students' lack of motivation. This paper describes a new approach and methodology intended to solve this problem: The new approach involves a different sequencing of topics covered in most CS1 courses, and the division of the course into four units; thus exposing students to four different problems of moderate length and degree of difficulty. The new methodology consists of presenting students with problems for which the programming features learned up to that point are inadequate to solve the task. Thus, instead of presenting topics (language features) followed by a series of problems which require the student to apply specific tools, I introduce problems which create a need for new language features. This way students feel more motivated to explore new venues and participate more effectively in the decision-making process.