On Novice Loop Boundaries and Range Conceptions

The paper presents a study of novice difficulties with range conceptions in loop design. CS2 students were asked to solve four related enumeration tasks, which required various loop boundary specifications. The student solutions varied considerably in conciseness and efficiency. The solution diversity reveals significant differences in range partitioning insights. The solutions are categorized, analyzed, and discussed. The categorization and analysis illuminate a novel perspective of novices' lack of range conceptions in loop design. A set of guidelines is offered for addressing this deficiency, by underlining the mathematical and design links between range ends, range partitioning, and loop boundary specifications.