Problem Solving and Program Design: A Pedagogical Approach
May C. Abboud · Computer Science Education · 1994
An approach to teaching programming and problem solving is described. The approach is language independent, within the class of procedural languages. Simulation is a central theme in this methodology. The teaching method is cooperative and emphasizes the process rather than the product. Problem‐solving paradigms available in all procedural languages are used: sequencing, iteration, and testing conditions. Top‐down design, as a methodology, is complemented by bottom‐up to include simulation and pattern identification. In bottom‐up design, considering a solution and identifying patterns is critical to the development of the algorithm. On the other hand, simulation of an algorithm is a check of the correctness of the algorithm, and provides a correcting mechanism.