A tutoring system for parameter passing in programming languages

Abstract

We have developed a tutoring system for the parameter passing mechanisms discussed in a typical Comparative Programming Languages course, viz., value, result, value-result, reference and name. The tutor helps students better understand these parameter passing mechanisms by administering problems for them to solve and providing instant feedback on their solution. In this paper, we will describe the design and features of the tutor. We will also discuss a test that we conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of using the tutor, and present its results. The test confirmed our hypothesis that using the tutor would result in a systematic improvement in the learning of our students. This tutor may be used in the Comparative Programming Languages course as well as Computer Science I .