Position paper: Assessing knowledge in blocks-based and text-based programming languages

Briana B. Morrison

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Assessing student knowledge of programming concepts is a long studied, but many would say unsolved, problem. From the initial Empirical Studies of Programmers series [1] to McCracken's study [2] to Elliott-Tew's validated assessment of fundamental CS knowledge [3] many have attempted to precisely measure the knowledge and skills of students learning to program. All of the previous efforts have been centered on text based languages. Now we have another element to add to the mix -block-based programming languages. Can any of the existing assessment instruments work for both text and block based programming languages? Do we believe they will measure the same knowledge? Can existing assessments be modified and tailored for block-based languages? Are the two approaches equivalent, and would we even want to assess the same knowledge outcomes for both? These are but a few of the questions I will address in this position paper.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2015 IEEE Blocks and Beyond Workshop, Blocks and Beyond 2015
EditorsCaitlin Kelleher, Josh Sheldon, Franklyn Turbak, Jeff Gray, David Bau
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages1-3
Number of pages3
ISBN (Electronic)9781467383677
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 30 2015
Externally publishedYes
EventIEEE Blocks and Beyond Workshop, Blocks and Beyond 2015 - Atlanta, United States
Duration: Oct 22 2015 → …

Publication series

NameProceedings - 2015 IEEE Blocks and Beyond Workshop, Blocks and Beyond 2015

Other

OtherIEEE Blocks and Beyond Workshop, Blocks and Beyond 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta
Period10/22/15 → …

Keywords

  • assessment
  • blocks
  • outcomes
  • text

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software

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