ENHANCING COMPUTER PROGRAMMING FLUENCY THROUGH GAME PLAYING

Abstract- In this paper we present an approach for learning and enhancing Pascal programming fluency through Game playing. This activity is intended to complement traditional teaching of concepts. The focus is on building program comprehension rather than program generation and enhancing programming fluency instead of programming literacy. In playing the game, students improve their ability to read and understand a program written in a specific language and to follow the logic in a program. They build speed in comprehension, as is required in learning any language. To win the game, students have to play certain steps repeatedly, using different strategies, and with time constraints. This repetitiveness reinforces learning and helps the students to become fluent with Pascal programming. Once they master the basic elements of a program, they will experience less frustration in coding solutions for more challenging problems. The preliminary results with students using this gaming activity are encouraging