Problem Solving and Algorithmic Development with Flowcharts

Abstract

Programming, where problem solving and coding come together, is cognitively demanding. Whereas traditional instructional strategies tend to focus on language constructs, the problem solving skills required for programming remain underexposed. In an explorative small-scale case study we explore a "thinking-first" framework combined with stepwise heuristics, to provide students structure throughout the entire programming process. Using unplugged activities and high-level flowcharts, students are guided to brainstorm about possible solutions and plan their algorithms before diving into (and getting lost in) coding details. Thereafter, a stepwise approach is followed towards implementation. Flowcharts support novice programmers to keep track of where they are and give guidance to what they need to do next, similar to a road-map. High-level flowcharts play a key role in this approach to problem solving. They facilitate planning, understanding and decomposing the problem, communicating ideas in an early stage, step-wise implementation and evaluating and reflecting on the solution (and approach) as a whole.