Towards Scaffolding Problem-Solving Implementation Process in Undergraduate Programming Course

Computer programming learning is an important and challenging process for novice students. Previous approaches often address the learning problem of creating algorithm and familiarizing syntax. However, students still need the extra programming knowledge of selecting proper data structure to implement the program. In this paper, the scaffolding approach is used to assist students in comprehending the problem-solving strategy to find suitable data structure. In the experiment, 55 students participated in the two groups´ pretest and posttest evaluation. The experimental results showed that the experimental group achieves higher learning achievement than the control group. The results suggest that computer-assisted scaffolding can be exploited as effective and motivational learning guidance for students.