The Effect of the Preceding Graphic Organizer on Learning Attitude to Programming and Problem Solving Ability of Middle School Students

Abstract

Middle school students often feel hard to understand computer algorithms and programming concepts due to their abstract nature. The purpose of this study is to verify the effects of the Preceding Graphic Organizer (PGO) embedded in middle school students’ Educational Programming Language (EPL) classes on learning attitude and problem solving ability. For this goal, we developed new programming teaching-learning materials called the PGO based on visualization method. For assessment, we experimented with these materials in middle school programming classes and measured their effects statistically. As a result, through before-and-after t-test verifications performed on the experimental group and the control group respectively, there were statistically significant differences between these two groups and the effectiveness of our materials was proved in students’ programming learning attitude and problem solving ability.