An overall schema of interpretation for programming instructors is given, so that the misconceptions students develop in programming can be determined more readily. Types of language-independent and -dependent bugs, how they can be identified, and how to help students overcome them are addressed. (MNS)

Describes a study which compared the instructional effectiveness of a team-based, peer-review approach to teaching programing skills to secondary school students, with that of a traditional approach. The discussion covers students' attitudes and programing skills development resulting from the implementation of the experimental approach. (Nine…

Described and critiqued are two ideas which have proven valuable in teaching programming at the introductory level, the mental model and the programming plan. (PK)

This paper reports the evaluation of instructional provisions designed to foster higher cognitive skill in a computer programming course. This intervention explicitly encourages novice programmers to engage in the problem-solving skill of planning. (Author)

Describes a course (Introduction to Numerical Techniques of Physics) which can be adapted to such courses as applied mathematics, numerical analysis, mechanical or electrical engineering, chemistry, and biomathematics. Course goals (including emphasis on the distinction between computing, programming and coding) and instructional strategies are…

Describes a two-semester computer science course, outlining course objectives and discussing classroom management techniques, software used, and courseware developed. Also includes table of contents for student manuals, and comments indicating that the course is meeting its objectives. (JN)

Describes some commands, simple programing procedures, and applications of the programing language LOGO, including its powerful recursive feature and its value in teaching problem solving. A listing of LOGO graphics packages includes details of software and print materials, prices, and microcomputers that will support the packages. (EAO)

Describes a course in vocation education at Boys Town Jerusalem (a Yeshiva high school and junior college for 1,200 boys). The course includes: numerical-control theory and workshop, computer-programing theory and practice; and visual aids-video tape recorder. (Author/JN)

Discusses introduction of three-week computer literacy course for all seventh graders including special education students at Bennet Junior High School, Manchester, Connecticut, which covers computer uses in society, history of computers, and writing of simple programs in BASIC language. Daily lesson plans for computers and special education are…

Describes a program and equipment used to teach computer programing to blind and visually impaired students at the Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind in Little Rock. Requirements for admission to this program are given. (JN)

Describes an exhibit in the U.S.S.R. sponsored by the U.S. Information Agency which is designed to show the use of technology at home, school, and the office in the United States. Also discussed are the use of computers in Soviet schools; Soviet curriculum; and use of the computer laboratory in the exhibit by Soviet students and teachers. (five…

Pretests measuring critical thinking ability and mental alertness were administered to 72 first-year college students at the beginning of an introductory computer programing course. Posttests administered at the end of the semester showed significant improvement in both areas, indicating that instruction in programing improves students' critical…

Expresses a high school student's frustration at trying to learn programing through courses in BASIC and PASCAL and her renewed enthusiasm studying programing with Scheme. Changes in the elementary, secondary, and advanced placement computer science curriculum are encouraged, and information for obtaining Scheme software is provided. (MES)

The development and evaluation of a series of hypermedia tools designed to help students learn to program in PASCAL or LISP are described. Classroom trials with 171 college students illustrate use of the developed tools. The use of hypermedia to foster integrated understanding is discussed. (SLD)

Describes the integrated Intelligent Tutor, Environment and Manual for Introductory Programing (ITEM/IP), which supports a course on computer programing based on the minilanguage Turingal. Discussion covers system design, including design philosophy, system overview, concepts included and information structure, programing laboratory mode,…