Basic programming/algorithmic concepts [closed]

Answer 1

In addition to the answers to this question, there are certain important topics to cover. Here's an example of how you could structure the lessons.

First Lesson: Terminology and Syntax

Terminology to cover: variable, operator, loop (iteration), method, reserved word, data type, class

Syntax to cover: assignment, operation, if/then/else, for loop, while loop, select, input/output

Second Lesson: Basic Algorithm Construction

Cover a few simple algorithms, involving some input, maybe a for or a while loop.

Third Lesson: More Advanced Algorithm Topics

This is for things like recursion, matrix manipulation, and higher-level mathematics. You don't have to get into too complex of topics, but introduce enough complexity to be useful in a real project.

Final Lesson: Group Project

Make a project that groups can get involved in doing.

These don't have to be single day lessons. You can spread the topics across multiple days.

Answer 2

Have a debugging contest. Provide code samples that include a bug. Have a contest to see who can find the most or fastest.

There is an excellent book, How Not to Program in C++, that you could use to start with.

You always learn best from mistakes and I prefer to learn from some else's.

It will also let those with little experience learn by see code, even if the code only almost works.

Answer 3

Start out by making them understand a problem like for instance sorting. This is very basic and they should be able to relate quite fast. Once they see the problem then present them with the tools/solution to solve it.

I remember how it felt when I first was show an example of merge-sort. I could follow all the steps but what the hell was I for? Make then crave a solution to a problem and they will understand the tool and solution much better.

Answer 4

You guys could build the TinyPIM project from "C++ Standard Library from Scratch" and then, when it's working, start designing your own extensions.

Answer 5

Have your club learn how to actually program in any language by teaching the concepts of building software. Instead of running out an buying a dozen licenses for Visual Studio, have students use compilers, make systems, source files, objects and librarys in order to turn their C code into programs. I feel this is truly the beginning and actually empowers these kids to understand how to make software on any platform, without crutches that many educational institutions like to rely on.

Answer 6

Greetings!

I think you are getting WAY ahead of yourself in forcing a specific language and working on specific topics and a curriculum.. It sounds like you (and some of the responders) are confusing "advising a programming club" with "leading a programming class". They are very different things.

I would get the group together, and the group should decide what exactly they want to get out of the club. In essence, make a "charter" for the club. Then (and only then) can you make determinations such as preferred language/platform, how often to meet, what will happen at the meetings, etc.

It may turn out that the best approach is a "survey", where different languages/platforms are explored. Or it may turn out that the best approach is a "topical"one, where there topic changes (like a book club) on a regular basis (this month is pointers, next month is sorting, the following is recursion, etc.) and then examples and discussions occur in various languages.

As an aside, I would consider a "language-agnostic" orientation for the club. Encourage the kids to explore different languages and platforms.

Good luck, and great work!