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Introducing Modelling and Code Comprehension from the First Days of an Introductory Programming Class

Published:06 January 2023Publication History

ABSTRACT

An approach to code comprehension in an introductory programming class is presented, drawing on the Text Surface, Functional and Machine aspects of Schulte’s Block Model, and emphasising programming as a modelling activity involving problem and machine domains. To visually connect the domains and a program, a key diagram conceptualising the three aspects lies at the approach’s heart, alongside instructional exposition and exercises, which are all presented. Students find the approach challenging initially, but most recognise its value later, and identify, unexpectedly, the value of the approach for problem decomposition, planning and coding.

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  1. Introducing Modelling and Code Comprehension from the First Days of an Introductory Programming Class

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      • Published in

        cover image ACM Other conferences
        CEP '23: Proceedings of the 7th Conference on Computing Education Practice
        January 2023
        40 pages
        ISBN:9781450398213
        DOI:10.1145/3573260

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        Publication History

        • Published: 6 January 2023

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