Abstract:
An outcome from a larger research project is described. This places work seeking to understand how novices learn elementary programming notions in a wider framework derived from cognitive science, and in particular the group of ideas centered on conceptual blends. The framework is outlined and the research methodology is described, followed by some of the data gathered. It is suggested that students' consideration of code fragments can be analysed in terms of mental spaces, and that loop statements represent compressions. The implications for teaching are discussed, and future work is outlined.
PPIG 2008 - 20th Annual Workshop
A Loop is a Compression