Programming as an Educational Tool
G Wiechers · International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology · 1974
Summary In this paper an attempt is made to show the value of programming as an educational tool. The algorithmic approach to problem solving, well‐known in an area such as Computer Science, can usefully be applied to many other fields. A course in computer programming is an ideal way to learn the algorithmic approach. It teaches the student to unravel a given problem by breaking it up into simple steps for which elementary solutions may be formed. He also learns to validate his solution. Learning to program a computer will develop the student's capability for logical reasoning. Analysing his problem by breaking it up into smaller problems will help to find solutions and also to pin‐point the areas where new ideas will have to be introduced. Hence apart from learning a technique (to use a computer), programming has the beneficial effect of providing the student with a thinking attitude which is not easily gained from any other discipline.