Using software testing to move students from trial-and-error to reflection-in-action

Introductory computer science students rely on a trial and error approach to fixing errors and debugging for too long. Moving to a reflection in action strategy can help students become more successful. Traditional programming assignments are usually assessed in a way that ignores the skills needed for reflection in action, but software testing promotes the hypothesis-forming and experimental validation that are central to this mode of learning. By changing the way assignments are assessed—where students are responsible for demonstrating correctness through testing, and then assessed on how well they achieve this goal—it is possible to reinforce desired skills. Automated feedback can also play a valuable role in encouraging students while also showing them where they can improve. Categories and Subject Descriptors K.3.2 [Computers and Education]: Computer and Information Science Education; D.2.5 [Software Engineering]: Testing and Debugging—testing tools. General Terms Verificat...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: SIGCSE
• Authors: Stephen H. Edwards
• Keywords: Computer Science Students, Education, SIGCSE 2004, Terms Verification Keywords, Traditional Programming Assignments