Title :
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
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;
Conference_Titel :
Computers in Education (SIIE), 2014 International Symposium on
Conference_Location :
Logrono
DOI :
10.1109/SIIE.2014.7017698
