An Object Tuple Model for Understanding Pointer and Array in C Language

Contribution: In this study, an object tuple model has been proposed, and a quasi-experimental study on its usage in an introductory programming language course has been reported. This work can be adopted by all C language teachers and students in learning pointer and array-related concepts. Backgro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE transactions on education Vol. 66; no. 4; pp. 318 - 329
Main Authors: Rong, Wenge, Xu, Tianfan, Sun, Zhiwei, Sun, Zian, Ouyang, Yuanxin, Xiong, Zhang
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: New York IEEE 01.08.2023
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
Subjects:
array
Arrays
C language programming
C languages
Colleges & universities
Computer Assisted Instruction
Computer Peripherals
Computer Science Education
Control Groups
Education
Experimental Groups
Introductory Courses
Language
Language Teachers
Learning
Memory
Memory management
object tuple model
Pointer
Programming
Programming Languages
Programming profession
Students
Sun
ISSN:0018-9359, 1557-9638
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Contribution: In this study, an object tuple model has been proposed, and a quasi-experimental study on its usage in an introductory programming language course has been reported. This work can be adopted by all C language teachers and students in learning pointer and array-related concepts. Background: C language has been extensively employed in numerous universities as an introductory programming practice. However, the pointer and array have long been recognized as some of the most difficult concepts for novice students learning C language. To help students become familiar with the concept of pointer and array and also their related operations, a comprehensive understanding from memory management's perspective might be helpful. Research Questions: 1) How does the object tuple model help students understand all kinds of object types from a generalized perspective? 2) Why is it important to let the students consider multiple arrays from a 1-D perspective? and 3) How do the memory-oriented operations from the object's perspective help students comprehensively understand the pointer and array? Methodology: The students were divided into experimental and control groups, and the object tuple model was presented in the experimental group. An examination was conducted at end of the semester, and test data were gathered for further analysis. Findings: The proposed object tuple model is effective in giving students clear guidance and helping them further understand the pointer and array in C language.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
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ISSN:0018-9359
1557-9638
DOI:10.1109/TE.2023.3236027