Combining Reversibility With Program Visualization (PV) to Improve Introductory Programming Instructional Design

Abstract

This article proposes a novel instructional design for introductory programming (CS1). The proposed design combines reversibility with Memory Transfer Language visualization (MTL-PV) for teaching and learning CS1. This approach aims to reduce cognitive load and facilitate the formation of robust mental models for fundamental CS1 concepts among learners. A classroom experiment was conducted, and descriptive statistics from the results revealed a significantly higher risk of errors among novices in the control group compared to the experimental group (Risk Ratio: 2.84 vs. 1.98, p-value = 0.0001). These findings suggest that the combined application of reversibility and MTL significantly improves CS1 instruction, leading to enhanced student performance and satisfaction.