Applications of out-of-domain knowledge in students' reasoning about computer program state

摘要: To meet a growing demand and projected deficit in the supply of computer professionals (NCWIT, 2009), it is vital importance to expand students' access science. However, many researchers science education community unproductively assume that some students lack an innate ability for therefore cannot be successful learning program. In contrast, I hypothesize degree which make productive use their out-of-domain knowledge can better explain range success novices investigate what non-programming supports success, conducted videotaped approximately 40 hours clinical interviews with 30 undergraduate enrolled introductory programming courses. During each interview, participant talked as they solved problems, were multiple-choice problems highly correlated on Advanced Placement Computer Science exam. analysis focused strengths rather than typical decision focus weaknesses. documented specific competencies participants applied analytic tools from Knowledge Pieces theoretical framework (diSessa, 1993) attempt understand source nature these competencies. found appeared build upon several kinds knowledge. For example, used algebraic substitution techniques when tracing state recursive functions. Students metaphors intuitive both iteration physics infinite loops base cases. On level individual reasoning, case study illustrated ways integrated her linguistic "and" into reasoning about command "and." addition identifying applications knowledge, this dissertation applies theories had not previously been education. Through application extend domain science, propose refinements theories, provide insights participants' particular topics.