Abstrakti
Data structures and algorithms are core issues in computer programming.
However, learning them is challenging for most students and many of them
have various types of misconceptions on how algorithms work. In this
study, we discuss the problem of identifying misconceptions on the
principles of how algorithms work. Our context is algorithm simulation
exercises, where students simulate the steps of a given algorithm by
manipulating data structure visualizations on a computer screen by using
a mouse. Thus, contrasting to “typical” data structures and
algorithms courses, these exercises are designed to work on an
abstraction level higher than that of the actual implementation.We have
analyzed the recorded simulation sequences to infer existing
misconceptions from students' answers, and then implemented the
corresponding variations of the target algorithm to find out how many of
students' answers consistently follow each variation. The results
suggest that many students are aware of the ultimate goal of the
algorithm but have not studied the algorithm itself well enough. This
often leads to different misconceptions that can be modeled and
recognized using our approach. The results presented here concern the
Build Heap algorithm, but the approach is of general value.
Alkuperäiskieli | Englanti |
---|---|
Sivut | 241-255 |
Julkaisu | Computer Science Education |
Vuosikerta | 16 |
Numero | 3 |
DOI - pysyväislinkit | |
Tila | Julkaistu - 1 syyskuuta 2006 |
OKM-julkaisutyyppi | A1 Julkaistu artikkeli, soviteltu |