• Learn concepts and theories
• Improve skill at paying attention
• Improve listening skills
• Learn terms and facts of this subject

• Files
• Streams
• I/O
• Input
• Output
• C

This activity allows instructors to see what terminology students associate with the term "file" in the context of the C programming language.

At the top of the page, write the word "File". In the time allowed, please write as many words or phrases that you associate with "File". Remember, the term "File" is in reference to programming.

Given the free-form nature of this CAT, student answers will encompass a wide range of possibilities. Primarily, it is important for the instructor to prepare his or her own list based on the class's materials.

Here is a sample solution:

• collection of data on disk
• file name
• file handle
• stream
• input/output
• FILE *
• EOF (end of file)
• fopen/fclose
• fscanf/fprintf
• file copy
• reading/writing data

• Lecture
• Next Day Summary

Create your own list and put it aside.

Read through the student lists and record entries as either "Good", "Questionable," or "Wrong." Note that you do not have to record every list item.

Look over the "Good" entries and add them to you master list if appropriate. Also, select a few entries from the other piles that highlight common misconceptions that you wish to address.

• Have students work in groups to complete this activity. The instructor may want to circulate throughout the groups to ensure that each group is making progress. After the groups have completed their lists, the instructor can make a composite list with all terminology from every group. As a group adds a new word or phrase, encourage the groups to explain the relationship between their contribution and the concept of a file.
• Have students work individually on their lists and then form groups of 4-5 people to discuss their individual lists with other members of the group.

• Buffer
• Stream
• Character
• Print
• String