Discussion of a -and-ldquo;problem set-and-rdquo; for instruction in digital computer programming

Abstract

Recently there has been widespread acceptance of long-known learning principles applied to the teaching of programming. One way to apply the principle of learning in small pieces or steps is to construct and use a -and-ldquo;problem set.-and-rdquo; This is a sequence of problems whose solution on the computer helps the learner to gain progressive capability in computer language, programming fundamentals and programming practice. While not attempting to provide a recipe for construction of such a problem set, this paper analyzes a set of eight problems used successfully for several years during intensive eight-week seminars for engineering professors.