A Methodology for Enhancing Programming Competence of Students Using Parikshak
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The document discusses a methodology developed by C-DAC Mumbai to enhance the programming competence of students, addressing the gap between theoretical knowledge of programming languages and practical problem-solving abilities. It highlights the deficiencies in existing pedagogical practices, such as manual grading and delayed feedback, and proposes an automated grading tool called Parikshak that emphasizes problem-solving, instant feedback, and self-debugging. The findings from the implementation indicate an improvement in students' programming skills and debugging abilities.
A Methodology for Enhancing Programming Competence of Students Using Parikshak
- 1. C-DAC Mumbai A Methodology for Enhancing Programming Competence of Students Using Parikshak Archana Rane archana@cdacmumbai.in Chandrashekhar shekhar@cdacmumbai.in RKVS Raman raman@ncb.ernet.in M Sasikumar sasi@cdacmumbai.in
- 2. C-DAC Mumbai Have you observed this? • Interviewers complaining about interviewees failing to translate solution to a given problem in a programming language • Students holding a computer science degree – unable to solve a problem programmatically but – Know “syntax” & “semantics” of the same language very well
- 3. C-DAC Mumbai Introduction Problem? – It is often observed that computer science students lack the ability to practically apply the programming concepts to solve problems Why is it important? Absence of this vital ability, limits the opportunities for these novices in the computer field. Root cause? Deficiency lies in the methodology of training that is imparted to them Any attempts to address this problem? We discuss one such teaching methodology which attempts to address the problem
- 4. C-DAC Mumbai Programming Test- Existing Scenario 1 Write a C program to sort 10 numbers
- 5. C-DAC Mumbai Programming Test- Existing Scenario 2 Write a C program to sort 10 numbers Write a C program to sort 10 numbers
- 6. C-DAC Mumbai How does faculty evaluate student programs? Manually!
- 7. C-DAC Mumbai Programming Tests existing scenario • Emphasis on syntax and semantics of language • Standard set of assignments, mapping to standard solutions • Manual grading process is tedious, time consuming, subjective and inconsistent • Less number of assignments • Delay in feedback. Attention to detail missing • More chances of plagiarism
- 8. C-DAC Mumbai Pedagogy Vs Existing Scenario • Problem solving is important • Programming language is just a medium to convey ideas to the computer • Hand made solution to computer program – the main hurdle for novices • Practice, practice and practice • Debugging and Program Comprehension skills are as important as writing programs • Immediate feedback required in absence of teacher • Standard set of assignments, mapping to standard solutions • Emphasis on syntax and semantics of language • Currently no explicit mechanisms are in place to address this aspect • Lesser assignments are given to students than should be ideally given • Lesser assignments & shallow evaluation lead to shallow debugging skills • Delayed Feedback. Attention to detail missing
- 9. C-DAC Mumbai Observations? • We observe substantial gaps – Between the existing system and the desired pedagogical aspects – Due to tedious manual grading process, limited faculty time & hence delayed feedback • Can increasing number of assignments solve the problem? • Can automated grading of assignments solve the problem?
- 11. C-DAC Mumbai Aims to bridge the gap Pedagogy Technology Our Methodology Ideal Requirements Automated Program Grading Tools
- 12. C-DAC Mumbai Session 1: Writing Session Solve & Debug On Paper Give a Problem to be solved Given 3 sides of a triangle, write a program to determine which type of triangle it is
- 13. C-DAC Mumbai Given 3 sides of a triangle, write a program to determine which type of triangle it is Session 2: Terminal Session Time constrain the test Restrict usage of IDE Given 3 sides of a triangle, write a program to determine which type of triangle it is
- 14. C-DAC Mumbai X Y X Y Y Y Y Y Objective Grading Automated Grading Instant Feedback
- 15. C-DAC Mumbai Debug on your own Let students debu on their own
- 16. C-DAC Mumbai Parikshak – An automated program grading tool
- 17. C-DAC Mumbai Our Methodology • Shift the focus from programming to problem solving • Do objective grading instead of subjective grading • Automate the grading process • Encourage “Solve and debug on paper” • Let students debug their code on their own • Provide 24X7 practice environment with instant feedback
- 18. C-DAC Mumbai Does it really work? Performance Improved
- 19. C-DAC Mumbai Does it really work? Debugging skills improved
- 20. C-DAC Mumbai Conclusion • Concern - novices in programming lacking the ability to apply the concepts that they learn. • Deficiencies in existing system • Our methodology addresses most of the problems among novices identified by the experts in the field. • The results and findings, from the implementation of methodology in our course, endorse effectiveness of this methodology
- 21. C-DAC Mumbai Interested to know more? • Parikshak – Modes • Restricted Linux Shell • Web version integrated with Moodle available – Supports automated grading of programs written in C & Java • Email • etu@cdacmumbai.in • parikshak.guru@gmail.com • Website– http://www.cdacmumbai.in