Teaching Abstraction First in CS1/CS2

Index:

Abstract
Calendar
Project Development
Findings and Contributions
Links and References
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Abstract:

The development of extensive libraries of components, such as the STL or the RESOLVE component library, has resulted in a broadening of what a person can do with a language from the start. Two teaching techniques: "Accelerated C++" by Andrew Koenig and Barbara Moo and the teaching of RESOLVE were developed separately and with different motives. (Teaching C++ vs. Teaching component-based software.) However, they share a similar teaching technique: they begin by teaching abstraction first and how to use the libraries available. With this technique, instructors are liberated to create unique problems and investigate parts of computer science that are normally not available in the first course sequence while maintaining a flexible curriculum.

Calendar:

• March 2003--Began reading "Accelerated C++"
• April 2003--Identified similarities.
• May-September 2003--Writing paper.

Project Development:

At the beginning of this project, we were going to make the paper strictly a compare and contrast paper between the two teaching styles. However, it was becoming increasingly difficult to separate the paradigms from the teaching styles. Therefore, we looked for a different approach. The final solution was to look at the teaching styles from a "high level" and look at what they have in common. That is, they teach abstractions first. The paper in its new form shows that Abstractions First works well as a teaching style and uses "Accelerated C++" and RESOLVE as case studies.

Findings and Contributions:

We will present our findings once the paper is complete.

Links and References:

• "Accelerated C++" By Andrew Koenig and Barbara Moo
• "Software Component Engineering" By Bruce Weide
• JOOP Articles on "Accelerated C++"

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