Automated Code Tracing Exercises for CS1

Abstract

The ability for students to read and comprehend code is a fundamental skill in computer programming. Relying on students to build this skill through typical programming assignments can lead to many persevering through trial and error rather than understanding. This paper describes Trace Generator, a work-in-progress application for generating automatically graded code tracing questions for Python and C programs. The fundamental principles behind this work are mastery through repetition and providing comprehensive and understandable feedback to enable students to learn from their mistakes. Feedback and reflections from the use of the generated questions with two introductory procedural programming classes (200 students) are also discussed. Analysis of student attempts suggests a willingness to complete quizzes multiple times until they achieved a satisfactory score (average final result of 91%).