Analysis of fill-in-blank problem solutions and extensions of blank element selection algorithm for Java programming learning assistant system

Nobuo Funabiki, T. Tana, Khin Khin Zaw, Nobuya Ishihara, Wen Chung Kao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A Web-based Java Programming Learning Assistant System (JPLAS) has been developed in our group to advance Java programming educations. JPLAS provides fill-in-blank problems for Java novice students to study grammar and basic programming skills by filling in the blank elements in a high-quality code. In this paper, we first analyze solution results of students in the Java programming course and the correlation between the number of blanks in a problem and the correct answer rate of the students. Then, we extend the blank element selection algorithm to increase the number of blanks and control the problem difficulty by changing it. This algorithm has been proposed to generate a feasible fill-in-blank problem such that any blank has the grammatically correct and unique answer. To verify the effectiveness, we apply the extended algorithm to 58 Java codes for the fundamental data structure or algorithms, and confirm that the extensions can increase the number of blanks and control the problem difficulty.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWCECS 2016 - World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science 2016
EditorsS. I. Ao, Warren S. Grundfest, Craig Douglas
PublisherNewswood Limited
Pages237-242
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9789881404718
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Event2016 World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science, WCECS 2016 - San Francisco, United States
Duration: 2016 Oct 192016 Oct 21

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Engineering and Computer Science
Volume2225
ISSN (Print)2078-0958

Other

Other2016 World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science, WCECS 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period2016/10/192016/10/21

Keywords

  • Blank element selection algorithm
  • Fill-in-blank problem
  • JPLAS
  • Java programming education
  • Solution analysis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science (miscellaneous)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Analysis of fill-in-blank problem solutions and extensions of blank element selection algorithm for Java programming learning assistant system'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this