The Analysis of Informatics Gifted Elementary Students’ Computational Problem Solving Approaches in Puzzle-Based Learning

The purpose of this study is to propose strategies of puzzle-based learning for Informatics gifted education through analyzing Informatics gifted elementary students` computational problem solving approaches in puzzle-based learning contexts. Six types of educational puzzles, which are constraints, optimization, probability, statistically speaking, pattern recognition, and strategy, were used in teaching 14 Informatics gifted students for 8 sessions. The results of pre and post test and each students` answers were analyzed to identify why students were not able to solve the puzzles. We also analysed what essential computational strategies are needed to solve each type of puzzles, and what students did not know in solving puzzle problems. We identified some problems caused by puzzle representation methods, and various students` intuitions that disturb puzzle solving. Also, we identified essential computational strategies to solve puzzles: backtracking, dynamic programming, abstraction, modeling, and reduction of big problem. However, students had difficulties in applying these strategies to solve their puzzle problems. We proposed the revised puzzle-based learning strategies, which is based on the improved problem representation, just-in-time cognitive feedbacks, and web-based learning system.

[1]  Zbigniew Michalewicz,et al.  Puzzle-based learning: The first experiences , 2009 .

[2]  Joyce Malyn-Smith,et al.  Computational thinking for youth in practice , 2011, INROADS.

[3]  Zbigniew Michalewicz,et al.  Puzzle-Based Learning : An Introduction to Critical Thinking, Mathematics, and Problem Solving , 2014 .

[4]  Jeannette M. Wing.  Computational thinking and thinking about computing , 2008, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences.

[5]  Stephanie A. Myers,et al.  Sudoku Puzzles as Chemistry Learning Tools. , 2007 .

[6]  강대기.  A Case Study of Puzzles Solving Applied to Programming Practice , 2010 .

[7]  Kathryn E. Merrick,et al.  An Empirical Evaluation of Puzzle-Based Learning as an Interest Approach for Teaching Introductory Computer Science , 2010, IEEE Transactions on Education.

[8]  Jeannette M. Wing.  An introduction to computer science for non-majors using principles of computation , 2007, SIGCSE.

[9]  John D. McGregor,et al.  Getting there from here: a roadmap for software product line adoption , 2006, CACM.

[10]  Sasha A. Barab,et al.  Design-Based Research: A Methodological Toolkit for the Learning Scientist. , 2006 .

[11]  George H. L. Fletcher,et al.  Thinking about computational thinking , 2009, SIGCSE '09.

[12]  R. Sternberg,et al.  Recognizing, defining, and representing problems. , 2003 .

[13]  T. P. Carter.  Crossword Puzzles in the Foreign Language Classroom. , 1974 .

[14]  Behrooz Parhami,et al.  Motivating Computer Engineering Freshmen Through Mathematical and Logical Puzzles , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Education.