SA all, Kol Ramdan We 2entom Taybeeeeeeeeeeeeen!!!
Let’s continue what we have started in the first of this series. I should give another example to prove my opinion. It is about my ACM life.
2) Solving Programming problems
In the simplest words, a problem is a text describing some thing that can be programmed. Student writes a code that will be judged on test cases, if the code passed the test cases, he gets a grade.
Imagine problem “Read 2 numbers and display their sum”. Imagine inputs/outputs: {2 7} {9} {4 7} {11}, if student gives same outputs as judge outputs, he gets a grade, else he gets zero.
Imagine 2 strategies by 2 coaches on 2 students.
The First coach lets his student solve the problem, if student fails, coach gives him test cases, and then student reads them and checks his code for bugs. Also coach may give him his code to compare codes together.
The Second coach lets his student solve the problem, if student fails coach asks him to check his code again, and find tricky cases until he catches his bug. If student fails again, coach may give him a hint and so on.
Can you imagine in the future, what will be the differences between theses 2 students?
The first one will have limited skills and need much guide and support to find his problems, and if he faces new thing, he may not be able to solve it.
The Second one will use his experience always in analyzing and designing solutions. Even if the problem is a new one for him, he will be ready to attack it.
What I want to say through this boring story: The methodology that we impose on our students, really affects them. It affects their way of thinking, imaging and finding a solution. If you train them on certain type of problems, what if they meet another type, how they will deal. BUT if you train them on thinking and analyzing, they will be creative and even can solve new problems they do not know.
I still remember that when I was in secondary school, I trained on solving problem format (these problems that came each year in exams, and has certain structure). So teacher can easily make me identify the problem and tell me “If you find x y problem, do 1, 2 and 3 and you will get the full mark!!!”.
Do you think each teacher should revise him self and his strategy?
