Abstract
Problem solving skills are considered an important component in learning to program in an introductory programming (IP) course for novices. This study introduced a PROSOLVE game to enhance problem solving skills of novice programmers in the introductory programming course. The game is based on pseudo-code technique. A survey was employed to collect students' feedback and semi-structured interviews were organized to collect instructors' opinion about the game. The results show that the game helped most of the students in understanding the programming concepts, structures and problem solving strategies. Moreover, the game supports students' cognitive engagement, gains, and affective engagement in the IP course. Instructors appreciated the game and considered it as an additional supporting teaching tool in the IP course. Moreover, they considered the game as good alternative of traditional pen and paper learning approach in attracting students' interest in the programming domain.
Highlights
Programming is one of the demanding fields in the computer science discipline and ‘employment of computer programmers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2012 to 2022’ (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015)
The two research questions being addressed in this research study are as follows: RQ1: What are the perceptions of students regarding the PROSOLVE game in the introductory programming course?
The first research question is as follows: RQ1: What are the perceptions of students regarding the PROSOLVE game in the introductory programming course?
Summary
Programming is one of the demanding fields in the computer science discipline and ‘employment of computer programmers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2012 to 2022’ (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015). It was developed to enhance the problem solving skills of novice programmers in the IP course. The Random Steps list box shows all the Pseudo-code steps for a given problem statement in a random manner. A user re-arranges the given random steps of pseudo-code algorithm into its correct steps of sequential order by moving the steps, up or down using the ‘Arrow Buttons’ at right side of the list box. Number of clicks is recorded while moving the Arrow Buttons up or down It displays a congratulatory message, if proper sequence is already achieved after the last click for its correct solution
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