Alireza Ahadi
Raymond Lister
ABSTRACT
Computing academics report bimodal grade distributions in their CS1 classes. Some academics believe that such a distribution is due to their being an innate talent for programming, a "geek gene". Robins introduced the concept of learning edge momentum, which offers an alternative explanation for the purported bimodal grade distribution. In this paper, we analyze empirical data from a real introductory programming class, looking for evidence of geek genes, learning edge momentum and other possible factors.
- Robins, A. (2010) Learning edge momentum: A new account of outcomes in CS1. Comp. Sci. Ed., 20(1), 37--71.Google Scholar
Cross Ref
- Schilling, M., Watkins, A. and Watkins, W. (2002). Is Human Height Bimodal? The American Statistician 56 (3): 223--229. DOI:10.1198/00031300265Google ScholarCross Ref
Index Terms
- Geek genes, prior knowledge, stumbling points and learning edge momentum: parts of the one elephant?
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