Neo-Piagetian Theory and the novice programmer

This PhD project studied the genetic epistemology of novice programmers, and provides empirical evidence that the development of programming skills can be described using the neo-Piagetian cognitive development framework. The thesis identifies the manifestations of each of the early neo-Piagetian stages of development in the programming domain – that is: sensorimotor, preoperational and concrete operational. This research informs not only tertiary pedagogy, but teaching and learning of computer programming in any setting. It will enable educators to (a) identify the developmental stage of their students, (b) provide stage-appropriate learning resources and (c) assist students in transitioning to the next more mature stage of reasoning.

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[2]  Raymond Lister,et al.  Some empirical results for neo-Piagetian reasoning in novice programmers and the relationship to code explanation questions , 2012, ACE 2012.

[3]  Raymond Lister,et al.  Geek genes, prior knowledge, stumbling points and learning edge momentum: parts of the one elephant? , 2013, ICER.

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[5]  Raymond Lister,et al.  Concrete and other neo-Piagetian forms of reasoning in the novice programmer , 2011, ACE 2011.

[6]  Raymond Lister,et al.  Falling Behind Early and Staying Behind When Learning to Program , 2014, PPIG.

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[8]  Raymond Lister,et al.  Manifestations of preoperational reasoning on similar programming tasks , 2014, ACE.

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[11]  Raymond Lister,et al.  Using neo-piagetian theory, formative in-class tests and think alouds to better understand student thinking: A preliminary report on computer programming , 2012 .

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[13]  Raymond Lister,et al.  Relationships between reading, tracing and writing skills in introductory programming , 2008, ICER '08.

[14]  Raymond Lister,et al.  Programming: reading, writing and reversing , 2014, ITiCSE '14.

[15]  Raymond Lister,et al.  A qualitative think aloud study of the early neo-piagetian stages of reasoning in novice programmers , 2013, ACE '13.

[16]  Raymond Lister,et al.  Early relational reasoning and the novice programmer: swapping as the hello world of relational reasoning , 2011, ACE 2011.

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[21]  Raymond Lister,et al.  Longitudinal think aloud study of a novice programmer , 2014, ACE.

[22]  Raymond Lister,et al.  Blinded by their Plight: Tracing and the Preoperational Programmer , 2014, PPIG.

[23]  Sergio Morra,et al.  Cognitive Development : Neo-Piagetian Perspectives , 2012 .

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