The Cryptic Crossword Puzzle as a Useful Analogue in Teaching Programming

Contrary to the apparent beliefs of many students, computer programming and problem solving are not amenable to purely book learning. These skills can be acquired only by practice, and even then, students with an aptitude for programming will acquire the skills far more readily than those without. Unfortunately, aptitude is a concept that many students have difficulty appreciating. This paper describes a novel approach to helping students understand the concept..

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: ACE
• Authors: Simon
• Keywords: ACE 2004, Apparent Beliefs, Aptitude, Education, Problem Solving