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ERIC Number: EJ1326859
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1049-4820
EISSN: N/A
Programming Trajectories Analytics in Block-Based Programming Language Learning
Jiang, Bo; Zhao, Wei; Zhang, Nuan; Qiu, Feiyue
Interactive Learning Environments, v30 n1 p113-126 2022
Block-based programing languages (BBPL) provide effective scaffolding for K-12 students to learn computational thinking. However, the output-based assessment in BBPL learning is insufficient as we can not understand how students learn and what mistakes they have had. This study aims to propose a data-driven method that provides insight into students' problem-solving process in a game-based BBPL practice. Based on a large-scale programing dataset generated by 131,770 students in solving a classical maze game with BBPL in "Hour of Code," we first conducted statistical analysis to extract the most common mistakes and correction trajectories students had. Furthermore, we proposed a novel program representation method based on tree edit distance of abstract syntax tree to represent students' programing trajectories, then applied a hierarchical agglomerative clustering algorithm to find the hidden patterns behind these trajectories. The experimental results revealed four qualitatively different clusters: quitters, approachers, solvers and knowers. The further statistical analysis indicated the significant difference on the overall performance among different clusters. This work provides not only a new method to represent students' programing trajectories but also an efficient approach to interpret students' final performance from the perspective of programing process.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A