A Stealth Learning Approach

Teaching Programming Concepts by Building Games

Master thesis (2011)

Authors

Contributors

M.A.F.M. Jacobs (mentor)
A.R. Bidarra (mentor)
Programme
Science Education (AS) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2011 Fiege, M.C.
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Published Date

22-08-2011

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Programme

Science Education

Abstract

Building games in introductory programming is seen more often. Although it motivates pupils to learn, less is known regarding learning results. In this study the learning results on programming concepts in introductory programming are described. The study involved one group of 30 pupils in the age of 12-13 from secondary education in The Netherlands. Over a period of 10 lessons pupils build 6 small games by completion using new online learning material for Game Maker. They also created a game themselves. In the process of creating online learning material, an automated approach for creating Game Maker manuals was developed. The results show that pupils developed a basic understanding of some programming concepts in their first programming experience.