Saved in:
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Preprint |
| Published: |
2025
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.00533 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1866912302411808768 |
|---|---|
| author | Luo, Zhongtang |
| author_facet | Luo, Zhongtang |
| contents | Competitive programming (CP) has been increasingly integrated into computer science curricula worldwide due to its efficacy in enhancing students' algorithmic reasoning and problem-solving skills. However, existing CP curriculum designs predominantly employ a problem-based approach, lacking the critical dimension of time pressure of real competitive programming contests. Such constraints are prevalent not only in programming contests but also in various real-world scenarios, including technical interviews, software development sprints, and hackathons.
To bridge this gap, we introduce a contest-based approach to curriculum design that explicitly incorporates realistic contest scenarios into formative assessments, simulating authentic competitive programming experiences. This paper details the design and implementation of such a course at Purdue University, structured to systematically develop students' observational skills, algorithmic techniques, and efficient coding and debugging practices. We outline a pedagogical framework comprising cooperative learning strategies, contest-based assessments, and supplemental activities to boost students' problem-solving capabilities. |
| format | Preprint |
| id |
arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2504_00533 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | Curriculum Design of Competitive Programming: a Contest-based Approach Luo, Zhongtang Computers and Society Competitive programming (CP) has been increasingly integrated into computer science curricula worldwide due to its efficacy in enhancing students' algorithmic reasoning and problem-solving skills. However, existing CP curriculum designs predominantly employ a problem-based approach, lacking the critical dimension of time pressure of real competitive programming contests. Such constraints are prevalent not only in programming contests but also in various real-world scenarios, including technical interviews, software development sprints, and hackathons. To bridge this gap, we introduce a contest-based approach to curriculum design that explicitly incorporates realistic contest scenarios into formative assessments, simulating authentic competitive programming experiences. This paper details the design and implementation of such a course at Purdue University, structured to systematically develop students' observational skills, algorithmic techniques, and efficient coding and debugging practices. We outline a pedagogical framework comprising cooperative learning strategies, contest-based assessments, and supplemental activities to boost students' problem-solving capabilities. |
| title | Curriculum Design of Competitive Programming: a Contest-based Approach |
| topic | Computers and Society |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.00533 |