[Bluej-discuss] Programming as random process ...

[Lon Levy]

My best advice is to begin with a language without much syntax and transition to Java later.  I do this with Scheme in my Introduction to Computer Science class for three quarters and then spend a quarter with Java before teaching AP C.S. "AB" Data Structures.  Problem solving, logical branches, recursion, structure, and scope are easier in Scheme (or any of several other languages).  During the 4th quarter, when I introduce Java, it becomes a course focused on the language syntax.  Here, BlueJ makes life much, much easier.  

If you want to know more about the Scheme program I mentioned, look at www.teach-scheme.org 

Have a great weekend,

Lon.



Lon Levy, MS-CSEd
Computer Science Teacher
Volunteer Computer Club Advisor
Oregon High School
608-835-4469
lxl at oregon.k12.wi.us

non somnos requiem


>>> gordon at csse.uwa.edu.au 4/19/2006 7:28 PM >>>
One thing that increasingly frustrates me about trying to teach Java  
is the number of students who seem to view programming as some sort  
of random process where they type anything at all and then come and  
complain that "it doesn't work".

I use BlueJ precisely for the purpose of removing ALL of the things  
like "public static void main(String[] args)" where you just have to  
say "type this in without understanding it and we'll explain it  
later", so in general they should be able to understand every part of  
the classes that they are assigned to write..

Yet quite a few of them just don't seem to grasp the concept that  
THEY are in control and that programming involves first thinking HOW  
to do something, and then DOING it using the tools available. Instead  
they seem to view it as some sort of randomized jigsaw puzzle where  
the goal is to shuffle around the pieces of code until it somehow  
magically works...

How can I overcome this?

Gordon
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