The efficacy of a low-level program visualization tool for teaching programming concepts to novice C programmers

It is widely agreed that learning to program is difficult. Program visualiz ation tools make visible aspects of program execution which are often hidde n from the user. While several program visualization tools aimed at novice programmers have been developed over the past decade there is little empiri cal evidence showing that novices actually benefit from their use [1]. In t his article we describe a "Glass-box Interpreter" called Bradman. An experi ment is presented which tests the efficacy of Bradman in assisting novice p rogrammers learn programming concepts. We show that students that used the glass-box interpreter achieved greater understanding of some programming co ncepts than those without access. We also give evidence that the student's ability to assimilate new concepts was enhanced by exposure to the glass-bo x interpreter. This is experimental confirmation that such tools are benefi cial in helping novices learn programming.