Fully and Automatically Testable Tasks for Programming Novices Derived From a Modified Test-First Approach

Matthias Längrich, Jörg Schulze, Heinz Dobler, Jean D. Hallewell Haslwanter

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

This innovative practice paper presents an approach for fully and automatically testable tasks designed for programming novices, derived from a modified test-first approach. At our Universities of Applied Sciences, students from various non-computer science courses are introduced to the basics of programming using the C# programming language. The primary educational goal is to enable students to develop and test static methods for simple algorithmic problems. This is achieved through a modified test-first approach that emphasizes the practice of solving clearly defined tasks. The paper details the development of a task-oriented teaching method, the creation and organization of extensive task collections, and the implementation of a computer-assisted system for generating and verifying student tasks. The effectiveness and challenges of this approach are discussed, and potential for application in other programming languages is considered.

Conference

ConferenceFIE 2024 - Frontiers in Education: Embracing the Challenges and Transforming Engineering and Computing Education in a Technology-Enhanced World
Abbreviated titleFIE 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWashington, DC
Period13.10.202416.10.2024
Internet address

Keywords

  • Programming, Automatic Testing, Model-first Approach
  • Teaching

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