A BASIC Programming Curriculum for Enhancing Problem-Solving Ability

Abstract

This curriculum is proposed to enhance problem-solving ability through learning to program in BASIC. Current research shows development of problem-solving skills from learning to program in BASIC. Successful treatments have been based on contemporary problem-solving theory, top-down, modular programing, and rigorous length and intensity. The proposed BASIC curriculum, incorporating these characteristics, is designed for secondary education and is adaptable to postsecondary education. The curriculum suggests beginning with an optional 6-week problem-solving software unit to overcome computer anxiety and introduce problem-solving theory. The major portion, the actual BASIC programing instruction, lasts 30 weeks with daily lessons, but is easily expanded or condensed. The program is designed to require computer access only in school. The nine major units of the curriculum and their subunits in the areas of graphics, animation, screen formatting, string variables, numeric variables, embedded DOS commands, mathematics, text files, dimensional arrays, and personal programs are included. (Contains 17 references.) (SLD)