Teaching data structures and other CS1/CS2 subjects can be challenging. Previous research has shown that using manipulatives and visualization tools may help students comprehend these abstract concepts. This paper illustrates how students can use a pez dispenser as a stack to gain first hand experience with many CS1/CS2 topics. In addition to giving students candy, we appeal to their sense of adventure by presenting a fictitious account of how the Aztecs might have used pez-like stacks. This tale is meant to supplement homework and class discussion concerning stack definition, algorithm design, recursion, tree traversal, and operation pre- and post-conditions.
Many CS1 and CS2 instructors have been using game-like assignments and manipulatives to increase student understanding of abstract concepts. A related approach described in this paper requires students to play a game-like version of each assignment (referred to as the "pre-game") before designing and coding their own programs. Students complete a prototype of the pre-game that uses simpler I/O but otherwise follows the same specification. By playing the pre-game, students become familiar with lesson principles using a concrete example that combines the advantages of both game-play and manipulatives. Ideally, the pre-game creates an environment that both encourages experimentation, and allows students to use their intuition when designing algorithms and data structures.
Many CS1 and CS2 instructors have been using game-like assignments and manipulatives to increase student understanding of abstract concepts. A related approach described in this paper requires students to play a game-like version of each assignment (referred to as the "pre-game") before designing and coding their own programs. Students complete a prototype of the pre-game that uses simpler I/O but otherwise follows the same specification. By playing the pre-game, students become familiar with lesson principles using a concrete example that combines the advantages of both game-play and manipulatives. Ideally, the pre-game creates an environment that both encourages experimentation, and allows students to use their intuition when designing algorithms and data structures.
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