Primitive Types Focused Listing Kate Deibel March 30, 2004 Focused Listing

This activity allows instructors to see what concepts students associate with various primitive types.

Divide your paper into four columns. At the top of each column, write one of the phrases: "int," "double," and "character," and "boolean." In the time allowed, please write as many words or phrases that you associate with each primitive type.

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.

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 phrases from every group. As a group adds a new word or phrase, encourage the groups to explain why this concept contributes to good style. 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. Learn concepts and theories Improve skill at paying attention Improve listening skills Learn terms and facts of this subject Variable Type LOW LOW LOW LOW Lecture Next Day Summary Straightforward to Enable Variables Data Casting