Novices' knowledge construction of difficult concepts in CS1

Abstract

This cognitive study examines how students come to know and apply what they learn in a CS1 course. Students were asked to solve problems involving three difficult concepts in CS1 in clinical interviews. Data show diverse forms of knowledge (automatic, associate, and conceptual) and their application (need to code, generalizing, and efficiency) in problem solving. This study was funded by the SIGCSE Special Projects grant.