Parsons Problems for Professional Learners
Authors: 
Geela Venise Fabic Chee, Arzoo Atiq, Alex Zable, 
Joshua Burridge, Sadia NawazAuthors Info & Claims
Geela Venise Fabic Chee, Arzoo Atiq, Alex Zable, Joshua Burridge, Sadia NawazAuthors Info & ClaimsAbstract
Parsons problems are well-regarded activities for scaffolding beginner programmers. We present a technique for employing Parsons problems in a cohort of professionals aiming to upskill in programming and data analytics. Recognising the distinct learning needs of this demographic and the limitations of traditional coding exercises in assisting their learning, we developed a series of Parsons problems focused on both foundational programming constructs, and specialised topics within the domain of data analytics.
Our approach leverages the H5P platform, integrated into a Learning Management System (LMS) for ease of access and interaction. Initial results from 27 learners revealed a preference for these problems over classical programming exercises. We illustrate the effectiveness of Parsons problems in engaging this unique cohort, and provide insights into adapting programming education in a way that meets the needs of professional learners more broadly.
References
[1]
Barbara J. Ericson and et al. 2022. Parsons problems and beyond: Systematic literature review and empirical study designs. In Proc. of the 2022 Working Group Reports on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education (ITiCSE '22). ACM, 191--234. https://doi.org/10.1145/3571785.3574127
[2]
Geela Fabic, Antonija Mitrovic, and Kourosh Neshatian. 2017. A comparison of different types of learning activities in a mobile Python tutor. In Proc. of the 25th International Conference on Computers in Education (ICCE '17). Asia-Pacific Society for Computers in Education, 604--613. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/16292
[3]
Geela Venise Firmalo Fabic, Antonija Mitrovic, and Kourosh Neshatian. 2019. Evaluation of Parsons problems with menu-based self-explanation prompts in a mobile python tutor. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, Vol. 29 (Aug. 2019), 507--535. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-019-00184-0
[4]
Dale Parsons and Patricia Haden. 2006. Parson's programming puzzles: a fun and effective learning tool for first programming courses. In Proc. of the 8th Australasian Conference on Computing Education (ACE '06). Australian Computer Society, Inc, 157--163. https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.5555/1151869.1151890
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Published In
July 2024
125 pages
ISBN:9798400706035
DOI:10.1145/3649405
- General Chairs:
- Mattia Monga,
- Violetta Lonati,
- Erik Barendsen,
- Program Chairs:
- Judithe Sheard,
- James Paterson
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Published: 08 July 2024
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