Analyzing students' recontextualization strategies for algorithmic concepts

Abstract

Learning to apply fundamental algorithmic concepts in a variety of contexts is a challenge in secondary computer science education. The aim of this ongoing study is to investigate what recontextualization strategies students use and specifically how students recognize what algorithmic concepts they can use in given situations. A card sorting task was developed in which students match algorithmic problems into given categories. Preliminary findings indicate that students experience difficulties with recognizing the underlying algorithms and use mainly surface features to sort the algorithmic problems.