Using programming protocols to investigate the effects of manipulative computer models on student learning

A comparison and evaluation of the effectiveness of computer simulated laboratory instruction versus traditional laboratory instruction in solid state electronics circuitry

“…The use of the simulation helped students concentrate only on computer memory operations, without other programming variables being involved. Hooper (1986) reported that students using the simulation employed more sophisticated algorithms during their programming than did students who were not exposed to the model.…”

The effect of learning problem-solving methods on learning to program in the BASIC language

“…Hooper (1986) reported that students using computer programming simulation employed more sophisticated algorithms during programming than did students who were not exposed to the manipulative computer model (MEMOPS) which was designed to facilitate the learning of programming. Thomas and Hooper (1991) reported that simulation may be useful for reinforcing complex sequences.…”

An investigation of a manipulative simulation in the learning of recursive programming

“…total number of runs, and number of correct solutions generated. This information has been termed a programming "protocol" and has been shown to be an effective method of evaluating student performance on programming problems (Hooper. 1986).…”