Problem solving and cognitive foundations for program development: an integrated model

Abstract

This paper addresses the interdependence among problem solving, cognition, and program development. The goal is to present a coherent and complete theoretical model which can serve as a basis for program development environments. To determine the type of support such environments should provide we first identify the actual difficulties involved in learning programming. We then synthesize a common model for problem solving based on existing methodologies. We next examine the problem solving tasks specific to program development, identifying how to adapt or enhance the general common model to the area of program development. Finally, we determine the cognitive science and learning theory relevant to problem solving identifying for each task of the common model the appropriate cognitive techniques required, thus defining a Dual Common Model which integrates the problem solving methodology and program development tasks with the cognitive knowledge and skills needed at each stage of the process.