Title: Terminology Background Knowledge Probe
Author: Kate Deibel
Date: March 29, 2004
Technique: Background Knowledge Probe
Before Class Preparation Time: MEDIUM
Class Completion Time: LOW
In-Class Analysis Time: HIGH
Out-Of-Class Analysis Time: HIGH
Assessment Goals:
- Improve memory skills
- Learn terms and facts
- Learn concepts and theories
Topics:
- Functions
- Variables
- Loops
- Basic Terminology
Purpose:
This probe is meant to provide a picture of the students' prior knowledge of computer science terms.
Activity:
The following questions will not be graded and are a means of helping the instructor understand the knowledge of computer science that you posess coming into the class.
Define the following terms:
- Iteration
- Parameter
- Scope
- Variable
- Function
- Boolean
- Loop
- Method
- Constant
- Character
True and False:
- A variable can have multiple values.
- It is possible to have a function with no parameters.
- Loops keep repeating forever.
- If x is the integer 5, then x / 2 = 2.5
Solution:
Define the following terms:
- Iteration: Repetition of a sequence of instructions
- Parameter: A required input for a function or method
- Scope: The region of code in which a variable exists
- Variable: A named location in memory that stores a value
- Function: A subprogram that is reused throughout a larger program
- Boolean: A variable that indicates either TRUE or FALSE
- Loop: A programming construct that allows a series of commands to be repeated till a stopping condition is met
- Method: A function that is a member of an object class
- Constant: A variable whose value cannot be changed.
- Character: Any member of the set of letters, numbers, punctuation, and white space
True and False:
- A variable can have multiple values. FALSE
- It is possible to have a function with no parameters. TRUE
- Loops keep repeating forever. FALSE
- If x is the integer 5, then x / 2 = 2.5 . FALSE
Instructor Responses:
Response Analysis:
For open response questions, student answers should be separated into piles "Correct CS Usage," "Correct but not CS," "Incorrect," and "Unclear."
For fixed answer questions, answers should be counted and tallied. For multiple choice questions, look at the distribution of answers across all the choices in order to identify common misconceptions.
Be careful to not over generalize from these results. The results are best used to refine lessons plans and to mentally prepare for student questions and misconceptions. Be careful when referring to the results to avoid humiliating or insulting the students.
Variant Uses of Activity:
- After students answer the background probes individually, have them reanswer the questions in small groups.
- Have students exchange responses and comment on them.
Device-Enabled: Has Been Enabled
Related Topics:
- Syntax
- Semantics
- Terminology
- Language Differences