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Misconception: Students think that two different variables cannot refer to the same object.

  • Explain to students that a single object can have multiple variables assigned to it.
    • This property can be useful if students need to use the object in different places, or need to store both the object’s old and new values.

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Tags

  • Content Misconceptions
  • Programming Concepts
  • CS 1
  • Intro Programming
External Source

"Visual program simulation in introductory programming education" by Juha Sorva.

Other Tips By
Other Tips By Juha Sorva

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Misconception: Students think that when they create a new variable within a function, that function will automatically return that variable’s value when executed.
Define programming language terms independently of computer terminology to make concepts more accessible to students.
Show students what code looks like with and without new programming constructs (e.g., methods, Objects, inheritance, loops, switch statements) to motivate the reasons for using new concepts.

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