Programming is a complex task that requires the development of many skills including
knowledge of syntax, problem decomposition, algorithm development, and debugging …

The SIGCSE Technical Symposium is celebrating its 50th year, and a constant theme
throughout this history has been to better understand how novices learn to program. In this …

The recent emergence of code generation tools powered by large language models has
attracted wide attention. Models such as OpenAI Codex can take natural language problem …

Large language models are reshaping computing education. Based on recent research,
these models explain code better than students, answer multiple choice questions at or …

Parsons problems are a type of programming exercise where students rearrange jumbled
code blocks of a solution program back into its original form. It is usually implemented as a …

Practice is essential for learning. There is evidence that solving Parsons problems (putting
mixed up code blocks in order) is a more efficient, but just as effective, form of practice than …

Novice programmers need differentiated assessments (such as adaptive Parsons problems)
to maximize their ability to learn how to program. Parsons problems require learners to place …

In this paper, we explore using Parsons problems to scaffold novice programmers who are
struggling while solving write-code problems. Parsons problems, in which students put …

Students sometimes manage to produce functionally correct program code while having a
fragile understanding of the related learning goals. Such unproductive success could be …

Retrieval practice, spacing, and interleaving are known to enhance long-term learning and
transfer, but reduce short-term performance. It can be difficult to get both students and …