Make the minimum requirements of an assignment worth a B to encourage students to push further for an A.
Always use the keyword ‘this’ in Java, and trace through many examples, to help students understand it.
Misconception: In Java, students struggle with equal signs because they mistakenly see them as a sign of symmetry.
Have assignments include visualizations of the code students create and run to help them see exactly what it does.
Teach simple Java with graphics first using the Draw/Roll Die activity, having students call objects and methods before defining their own, for an engaging way to reinforce material.