The TeachScheme! Project: Computing and Programming for Every Student

Abstract

The TeachScheme! Project aims to reform three aspects of introductory programming courses in secondary schools. First, we use a design method that asks students to develop programs in a stepwise fashion such that each step produces a well-specified intermediate product. Second, we use an entire series of sublanguages, not just one. Each element of the series introduce students to specific linguistic mechanisms and thus represents a cognitive development stage in the learning process. The third reform element is the use of a program development environment that was specifically developed for beginners. This paper presents the project’s premises, the details of its innovations, and a preliminary experience report.