Title: Testing Style Focused Listing
Author: Kate Deibel
Date: March 30, 2004
Technique: Focused Listing
Before Class Preparation Time: LOW
Class Completion Time: LOW
In-Class Analysis Time: LOW
Out-Of-Class Analysis Time: LOW
Assessment Goals:
- Learn concepts and theories
- Improve skill at paying attention
- Improve listening skills
- Learn terms and ideas of programming style
Topics:
- Debugging
- Testing
- Verification
- Correctness
Purpose:
This activity allows instructors to see what students associate with testing in reference to programming.
Activity:
At the top of the page, write the phrase "Testing". In the time allowed, please write as many words or phrases that you associate with good style below the heading "Testing". Remember, "Testing" is in reference to programming.
Solution:
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.
Instructor Responses:
Response Analysis:
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.
Variant Uses of Activity:
- 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.
Device-Enabled: Straightforward to Enable
Related Topics:
- Commenting
- Naming conventions
- Readability
- Conciseness
- Design
- Errors
- Syntax
- Semantics