EVALUATION OF ALGORITHM IMPLEMENTATION ASSESSMENT METHODS BASED ON A DATA STRUCTURE COURSE
Kamil Yurtkan, Cagin Kazimoglu, Umut Tekguc · DergiPark (Istanbul University) · 2014
Implementingalgorithms and making abstractions are two integral parts of computerprogramming. Algorithm implementation process involves understanding a businessproblem, designing the most appropriate solution and abstracting this in aprogramming environment. Thinking within the syntax of a programming languageand generating algorithms simultaneously are often found challenging bystudents. More importantly, majority of students do not necessarily understandthe underlying reasons behind the multiple assessment methods used in theevaluation of algorithm implementation. Some students believe that thetheoretical measurements for algorithm implementation are not directly relatedto the practical development of solutions and hence, they do not see the pointof theoretical exams particularly in algorithm implementation process. In thispaper, we analyze the methodologies used for the evaluation of algorithmimplementation. The Data Structures and Data Organization course thought at theFaculty of Engineering in Cyprus International University (CIU) has beenselected as a pilot course to perform a rigorous study in order to compare thetheoretical and the practical exam results of students. The aim of the studywas to understand whether or not there was a significant relationship betweenthe theoretical and practical exam results. The raw data of the study came from100 students who were randomly selected without considering their previousbackground or programming knowledge. The correlation between students’ programmingcapabilities and their theoretical knowledge were analyzed in order to statewhether or not their performance in theoretical exams are authentic whencompared to their practical exams.