Debugging Practices of High- and Low-Performing Students' Scratch Programming Using Structural Topic Modeling

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session Eight
  In Roundtable Session: Computational Thinking Through Coding, Programming, and Computing (Table 7)

Abstract

Computational thinking (CT) is defined as a thought process to resolve problems using computational steps and algorithms. Despite no clear-cut definition for CT, the key of CT for learners is an improvement to pinpoint multiple levels of abstraction and apply mathematical thinking and debugging skills. Debugging is a critical CT component that brings both challenges and opportunities to increase problem-solving skills for learning. A total of 123 students’ 461 weekly coding journals were analyzed with structural topic modeling. Our findings showed differences of high and low performing groups (e.g., backward and forward reasoning in detecting errors). The results suggested additional teaching strategies to improve debugging skills.

Authors

• Eunsung Park, Tennessee Tech University
  Presenting Author

• Jongpil Cheon, Texas Tech University
  Presenting Author

• Min Huang, Texas Tech University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Xueni Fan, Texas Tech University
  Non-Presenting Author