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ERIC Number: EJ1268794
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 34
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1927-2677
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Using Coding Interviews as an Organizational and Evaluative Framework for a Graduate Course in Programming
Samsa, Gregory
Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, v9 n3 p107-140 2020
Objective: In a Statistical Analysis System (SAS) coding interview, job applicants are typically presented with data management and data analysis problems and asked to solve them using the programming language of SAS. Interviewers not only assess technical competence, but also algorithm design and more generally how applicants approach computer programming. In the language of constructivism, the problems are designed to assess the depth and soundness of the applicant's mental model of SAS programming. We asked whether a SAS course, embedded within a Master of Biostatistics program, could reasonably be structured using a coding interview for the final examination as its organizing framework. Methods: This is a case study, where we describe how our content delivery was structured in order to prepare students for their coding interviews. It additionally relies on the metaphor of learning a second language through immersion. Results: Using a constructivist approach enhanced with active learning exercises, a course could in fact be designed around a coding interview. Course content can be mapped to the metaphor of foreign language immersion. Student response has been positive, and the formative evaluation has been encouraging to date.
Sciedu Press. 1120 Finch Avenue West Suite 701-309, Toronto, ON., M3J 3H7, Canada. Tel: 416-479-0028; Fax: 416-642-8548; e-mail: jct@sciedupress.com; Web site: http://www.sciedupress.com/journal/index.php/jct
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A