Program Slicing Technique: A Novel Approach to Improve Programming Skills in Novice Learners

Learning programming contains several activities, e.g., syntax and semantics of language, program design, comprehension and debugging. Conventional classroom teaching begins with declarative knowledge concepts followed by program writing skills. As a result students attempt to memorise typical program codes instead of writing a fresh code applying the programming concepts. We have applied Program Slicing Technique as a instructional methodology to improve the basic programming skills of the novices. Slicing technique has been widely used in software testing, debugging and software assessment. Results of our study show that slicing technique has helped in improving program understanding and clarification of misconceptions encountered while coding a program. This approach also helps self-learners to gain better programming skills.

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