What Happened to My Codes While I Programmed in a Puzzle-Based Programming Environment?

• In Event: Learning in Interactive and Gamified Environments

Abstract

Debugging has been an expanding topic in K-12 computer science (CS) education research. Although several studies have examined debugging behaviors, a few have focused on an in-depth analysis of elementary students’ debugging behaviors in a block-based programming environment. This qualitative study used thematic analysis of students’ on-screen videos to explore four students’ debugging behaviors, which include strategies and challenges. Findings revealed five types of debugging strategies and three challenges during the debugging process. This study is aimed at helping researchers and educators understand elementary students’ debugging strategies and the challenges faced by the students in the debugging process. This study discussed suggestions for teaching debugging strategies to elementary students and implications for future research.

Authors

• Wei Yan, Northern Arizona Unviersity

• Feiya Luo, University of Alabama

• Maya Israel, University of Florida

• Ruohan Liu, Seattle University

• LaToya Chandler, University of Florida