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A technique for translation from problem to code

Publication ,  Conference
Hilton, AD; Lipp, GM; Rodger, SH
Published in: Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, ITiCSE
July 2, 2018

Students in introductory programming courses struggle with how to turn a problem statement into code. We introduce a technique, “The Seven Steps,” that provides structure and guidance on how to approach a problem. The first four steps focus on devising an algorithm in words, then the remaining steps are to translate that algorithm to code, test the algorithm, and debug failed test cases. This approach not only gives students a way to solve problems, but also ideas for what to do if they get stuck during the process. Furthermore, it provides a way for instructors to work examples in class that focus on the process of devising the code—instructors can show how to come up with the code, rather than just showing an example. We have used this technique in several introductory programming courses—both in the classroom and online. We describe this technique and results from its use in fall 2017 courses.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, ITiCSE

DOI

ISSN

1942-647X

ISBN

9781450357074

Publication Date

July 2, 2018

Start / End Page

375
 

Citation

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Hilton, A. D., Lipp, G. M., & Rodger, S. H. (2018). A technique for translation from problem to code. In Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, ITiCSE (p. 375). https://doi.org/10.1145/3197091.3205807
Hilton, A. D., G. M. Lipp, and S. H. Rodger. “A technique for translation from problem to code.” In Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, ITiCSE, 375, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1145/3197091.3205807.
Hilton AD, Lipp GM, Rodger SH. A technique for translation from problem to code. In: Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, ITiCSE. 2018. p. 375.
Hilton, A. D., et al. “A technique for translation from problem to code.” Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, ITiCSE, 2018, p. 375. Scopus, doi:10.1145/3197091.3205807.
Hilton AD, Lipp GM, Rodger SH. A technique for translation from problem to code. Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, ITiCSE. 2018. p. 375.

Published In

Annual Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, ITiCSE

DOI

ISSN

1942-647X

ISBN

9781450357074

Publication Date

July 2, 2018

Start / End Page

375