ERIC Number: ED219880
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1982-Jul
Reference Count: N/A
Teaching Beginners to Program: Some Cognitive Considerations.
Rogers, Jean B.
Learning to program involves developing an understanding of two hierarchies of concepts. One hierarchy consists of data and extends from very literal data (which represents only itself) to very abstract data incorporating variable values in complex interrelationships. The other hierarchy consists of the operations performed on the data and extends from straight, linear sequences to loops, internal tests, and branching structures. Grasping the successive concepts in these hierarchies requires development of successive cognitive skills. If the best tools for delivering instruction in programming are to be designed, the designer must be conscious of both the developmental level of the students being taught and the difficulty levels of the specific programming tasks to be accomplished. A list of 35 documents suggested for further reading on the subject is supplied, as an addition to the bibliographic material cited in the text. (Author/PGD)
Descriptors: Cognitive Development, Computer Science, Computer Science Education, Elementary Education, Instructional Materials, Material Development, Programing
Not available separately; see EA 014 910.
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Note: In: The Computer: Extension of the Human Mind. Proceedings, Annual Summer Conference, College of Education, University of Oregon (3rd, Eugene, OR, July 21-23, 1982). For related documents, see EA 014 910-932.