research-article

Reflections on threshold concepts in computer programming and beyond

Author:

Juha SorvaAuthors Info & Claims

Koli Calling '10: Proceedings of the 10th Koli Calling International Conference on Computing Education Research

Pages 21 - 30

https://doi.org/10.1145/1930464.1930467

Published: 28 October 2010 Publication History

Abstract

I comment on and extend prior work that searches for threshold concepts in computer programming. I argue that explicitly linking threshold concepts to Brunerian fundamental ideas gives structure to the ongoing debate on threshold concepts. Program dynamics, information hiding and object interaction appear three strong candidates for threshold concepts in introductory programming, while abstraction and state seem to qualify as fundamental ideas. I further propose that the threshold concepts debate could benefit from the notion of transliminal concepts -- concepts that require an understanding of a threshold concept and can 'lure' students to and across thresholds.

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Reflections on threshold concepts in computer programming and beyond

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Koli Calling '10: Proceedings of the 10th Koli Calling International Conference on Computing Education Research

October 2010

125 pages

ISBN:9781450305204

DOI:10.1145/1930464

Conference Chairs:
Carsten Schulte,
Jarkko Suhonen

Copyright © 2010 ACM.

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Published: 28 October 2010

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Koli Calling '10: 10th Koli Calling International Conference on Computing Education Research

October 28 - 31, 2010

Koli, Finland

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Mazumder SPérez Quiñones MStephenson BStone JBattestilli LRebelsky SShoop L(2024)The Correctness of the Mental Model of Arrays After Instruction for CS1 StudentsProceedings of the 55th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education V. 110.1145/3626252.3630943(806-811)Online publication date: 7-Mar-2024
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Selva MBroquedis FStephenson BStone JBattestilli LRebelsky SShoop L(2024)Mining Jewels Together: Debating about Programming Threshold Concepts in Large ClassesProceedings of the 55th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education V. 110.1145/3626252.3630893(1189-1195)Online publication date: 7-Mar-2024
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