Difficulties, attitudes and misconceptions on experimenting with optimization algorithms

Author

Velazquez-Iturbide, J. Angel

Author_Institution

Dept. de Inf. y Estadistica, Univ. Rey Juan Carlos, Mostoles, France

fYear

2014

fDate

12-14 Nov. 2014

Firstpage

17

Lastpage

22

Abstract

OptimEx is a system designed to experiment with optimization algorithms. This paper presents a qualitative evaluation of students´ understanding of optimization concepts, based on the analysis of reports elaborated by students using OptimEx for an experimentation assignment. The evaluation allowed us identifying valuable findings on students´ difficulties, attitudes and misconceptions. We propose short-term corrective actions for some findings, but others demand further research or mid-term actions.

Keywords

computer aided instruction; computer science education; optimisation; user interfaces; OptimEx; experimentation assignment; optimization algorithms; optimization concepts; qualitative evaluation; short-term corrective actions; student attitudes; student difficulties; student misconceptions; student understanding; Algorithm design and analysis; Approximation algorithms; Dynamic programming; Greedy algorithms; Heuristic algorithms; Optimization; Proposals; Optimization algorithms; attitudes; difficulties; interactive experimentation; misconceptions; qualitative evaluation;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Computers in Education (SIIE), 2014 International Symposium on

Conference_Location

Logrono

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/SIIE.2014.7017698

Filename

7017698