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ABSTRACT

There are many opinions as to the best way to present objects and the concepts of object-oriented programming within the CS1 and CS2 curriculum. This paper seeks to analyze the benefits for student performance using two different groups of students. Both groups were introductory programming students using Java and both groups were exposed to the idea of objects over the duration of the course. However, one group was exposed to an objects emphasized/objects thematic approach, while the other group was presented with a procedurally thematic approach. An experiment was conducted to see which group of students performed better in an object-oriented CS2. The results will be discussed, interpreted, and compared with other evidence presented in the literature.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.1 Requirements/Specifications
          Subjects: Methodologies (e.g., object-oriented, structured)

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.2 Language Classifications

          Nouns: Java

  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.4 Systems and Software
          Subjects: Performance evaluation (efficiency and effectiveness)

General Terms:
Documentation, Experimentation, Performance