Focuses on how to write clear programs with C++ that are easier to debug and modify. Student programs designed according to these outlined principles will tend to develop more quickly, have less bugs, and be much easier to debug. (ASK)

Generally, when recursion is introduced to students the concept is illustrated with a toy (Towers of Hanoi) and some abstract mathematical functions (factorial, power, Fibonacci). These illustrate recursion in the same sense that counting to 10 can be used to illustrate a for loop. These are all good illustrations, but do not represent serious…

Describes how to modify old QBASIC programs to run in visual Basic. (NB)

Uses the visual and programming capabilities of the graphing calculator to discern both differences and similarities between two independent collections of sample data. (MKR)

The notions of pentagonal numbers and partitions can be understood by students at the precalculus level, and should work well in a first course in programming for high school or college students. Presents opportunities to conjecture properties of partitions from a computer program. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/ASK)

Discusses the place of linear programming in college curricula and the advantages of using linear-programming software. Lists important characteristics of computer software used in linear programming for more effective teaching and learning. (ASK)

Explores the relative strengths and weaknesses of the spreadsheet approach versus specialized mathematical programming software for solving a particular logic puzzle. (KHR)

Discusses the reasons for careful evaluation of students' programs by a skilled programmer. Suggests that grades for programs must be partly based on quality factors such as clarity, organization, conciseness, and maintainability. (ASK)