Cogito, Ergo sum! cognitive processes of students dealing with data structures

ABSTRACT

A research that has just recently been finished, investigated thinking processes that occur in the minds of students dealing with data structures. The research findings are pointed out in this paper, and two of them are elaborated. One is the phenomenon of programming-context thinking. This type of thinking stems from comparatively low level of abstraction gained by students in a data structures course. Programming-context thinking is the cause of other phenomena found in the research, and one such phenomenon — perception of a data structure as static or dynamic — is also elaborated. Implications for data structures instruction are discussed. Apart from presenting the research results, this paper serves as an example of cognitive research — a kind of research that is still not broadly enough done in Computer Science Education. It is one purpose of this paper to manifest the need for more such research.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.3 Language Constructs and Features
          Subjects: Data types and structures

  E. Data

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Curriculum

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Management, Performance, Theory