Programming patterns and design patterns in the introductory computer science course

ABSTRACT

We look at the essential thinking skills students need to learn in the introductory computer science course based on object-oriented programming. We create a framework for such a course based on the elementary programming and design patterns. Some of these patterns are known in the pattern community, others enrich the collection. Our goal is to help students focus on mastering reasoning and design skills before the language idiosynchracies muddy the water.

REFERENCES

• 1: Astrachan, O. and Wallingford, E. (1998) Loop Patterns. Available: htlp://www.cs.duke.edu/,-~ola/patterns/plopd/loops, html
• 2: Bergin, J. (1999) Patterns for Selection. Available: http://csis.pace.edu/,--bergin/patterns/selection.html
• 3: Bergin, J. (1997) Ten Pedagogical Patterns for Teaching Computer Science. Available: http://csis.pace.edu/,--bergin/PedPat 1.2.html.
• 4: Bergin, J. (1998) Six Pedagogical Patterns. Available: http://csis.pace.edu/Joergin/fivepedpat.html.
• 5: Deek., F. P., Turoff, M., and McHugh, J. A., A Common Model for Problem Solving and Program Development, 1EEE Transactions on Education, 4 (1999), 331-336.
• 6: Harriet J. Fell , Viera K. Proulx , Richard Rasala, Scaling: a design pattern in introductory computer science courses, ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, v.30 n.1, p.326-330, Mar. 1998
• 7: Richard Rasala, Function objects, function templates, and passage by behavior in C++, ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, v.29 n.1, p.35-38, March 1997
• 8: Richard Rasala, Toolkits in first year computer science: a pedagogical imperative, ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, v.32 n.1, p.185-191, Mar. 2000
• 9: Richard Rasala, A model C++ tree iterator class for binary search trees, ACM SIGCSE Bulletin, v.29 n.1, p.72-76, March 1997
• 10: Ursula Wolz , Elliot Koffman, simpleIO: a Java package for novice interactive and graphics programming, Proceedings of the 4th annual SIGCSE/SIGCUE ITiCSE conference on Innovation and technology in computer science education, p.139-142, June 27-30, 1999, Cracow, Poland

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Computer science education

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.1 PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
        D.2.11 Software Architectures
            Subjects: Patterns (e.g., client/server, pipeline, blackboard)

  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES

  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