ERIC Number: EJ1420856
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0141-982X
EISSN: EISSN-1467-9639
Using Practical Programming Tasks to Enhance Combinatorial Understanding
Teaching Statistics: An International Journal for Teachers, v46 n2 p113-120 2024
Probability theory has extensive applications across various domains, such as statistics, computer science, and finance. In probability education, students are introduced to fundamental principles which may include mathematical topics such as combinatorics and symmetric sample spaces. Students pursuing degrees in computer science possess a robust foundation in programming, software engineering, and algorithmic thinking. Despite entering probability courses with a unique perspective and learning potential, these students encounter challenges in grasping combinatorial concepts. In this experiment, we challenged first-year postsecondary computer science students to program a simulation of a practical combinatorics problem. Students commented on whether and how this task helped them internalize the basic concepts of combinatorics. We aim to show how utilizing programming tasks may empower students with a deeper grasp of combinatorics.
Descriptors: Programming, Probability, Mathematics Skills, Computer Science Education, Concept Formation, College Freshmen, Postsecondary Education, Problem Solving, Difficulty Level
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2191/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A