ITR: Formal Methods Education and Programming Effectiveness: Are They Related?

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus, Norman OK

Investigators

Abstract

EIA-0082849 Page, Rex University of Oklahoma ITR: Formal Methods Education and Programming Effectiveness: Are They Related? Software is often laced with coding errors which result in loss of life and productivity. These problems have been addressed by improved tools, disciplined processes, more effective design and analysis, and software product inspections. This research addresses the problem through better education. This work seeks evidence for the integration of mathematical reasoning in computing education as leading to improved programming skills. The project will measure and compare the programming effectiveness of two cohorts: one that studies core concepts of mathematical reasoning within the context of programming and another studying these core concepts in a pure mathematical context. The comparison measure of programming skills will be software development projects in a subsequent course. Learning more about any relationships between programming ability and mathematical reasoning can be an important step in improving curricula that educate students for the critical information technology positions of the future