Misconception: Students often think that classes hold Objects rather than understanding that they’re a blueprint for Objects because of the main method.
Have students brainstorm about the data structure Pandora uses for playlists to help motivate arraylists or linked lists through comparison to everyday life.
Misconception: Students incorrectly assume that Java’s substring method is destructive and wrongly anticipate the original string will change.
Give students a cheat-sheet for how to accomplish particular tasks in Java so that they can create interesting programming from the beginning of a course to keep them engaged.
Compare recursion to painting the layers of a Russian nesting doll to help students understand the concept.
When students are working on projects, especially open-ended ones, resist the urge to intervene. Don’t do the job for them!