Testing Style Focused Listing
Kate Deibel
March 30, 2004
Focused Listing
This activity allows instructors to see what students associate with testing in reference to programming.
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.
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 ideas of programming style
Debugging
Testing
Verification
Correctness
LOW
LOW
LOW
LOW
Lecture
Next Day Summary
Straightforward to Enable
Commenting
Naming conventions
Readability
Conciseness
Design
Errors
Syntax
Semantics