Teaching problem solving and structured programming in FORTRAN

This paper describes an approach towards teaching problem solving in an introductory service course using the FORTRAN programming language. The course is centered around s set of problems which are used to illustrate a problem solving methodology. Three pedogogical tools (data table, flow diagram, and program system chart) are used to provide a framework for algorithm development. Two control structures (the Block IF decision structured and WHILE loop) have been added to the FORTRAN language to facilitate the implementation of algorithms.