Uncovering difficulties in learning for the intermediate programmer

Effects of using problem-solving guide and explanatory support in program visualization tool on reducing students’ misconceptions in learning data structure concepts

“…Several studies have examined misconceptions in learning DSA. Some of these studies are those of [38]- [40], and [33]. The authors in [39] conducted the study to determine misconceptions held by students related to heaps and binary search trees.…”

“…They failed to differentiate heaps with binary search trees. The authors in [40] also conducted the survey to examine students perceived level of difficulty in learning CS2 at West Coast University, USA. They found that students tend to confuse DSA concepts, even if they can conceptually state them, but in reality they can implement the same thing ´differently.…”

“…They found that students tend to confuse DSA concepts, even if they can conceptually state them, but in reality they can implement the same thing ´differently. Some students also have difficulties comprehending how some algorithms, such as merge sort and quick sort, work [40]. The author in [38] examined the types of errors mostly committed by students whom they called "advanced novice programmers".…”

Analyzing the influence of a visualization system on students’ emotions: An empirical case study

“…We conducted our research in the context of an algorithms course, focusing on the emotions experienced by students when they address complex topics. We selected backtracking because it is a difficult topic (Decker & Simkins, 2016) and students often build a number of misconceptions on the technique (Velázquez-Iturbide, 2019). To alleviate limitations of previous research (Bosch & D'Mello, 2017), our evaluation was conducted in a realistic learning scenario simultaneously in two different universities.…”