Mark, >I'm asking PPIG about this because the main thing I don't like about the >candidate textbooks I've looked at is that they seem to present the >concepts in an unrealistic order, where a concept is "taught" before the >students have the right prerequisite concepts, and PPIGers know a lot >about how an individual progresses from novice to expert.
While everybody may have a theory about this progression I don't think anybody has the data needed to substantiate any models. Anybody who would claim to have the data that backs up some model please speak up. You are also making the assumption that one book fits all. I think a better approach is to provide a list and let students find the one that suits them. At the practical level I think the 'for dummies' series is always worth a look. The publishers have a formula that seems to work, they own the trademark and go after people who infringe it. So they make an effort to keep up standards, ie the book contents really do start from scratch and teach readers something in easy steps. You of course have the problem of finding a book that takes your students to a level that fits in with other courses. You also have the problem that students would prefer to be seen with the "Really Advanced Java" book than with "Java for dummies". I see that MITs open course ware, http://ocw.mit.edu/6/6.170/f01/index.html, uses Java. However, I think most beginner students will find this hard going. derek -- Derek M Jones tel: +44 (0) 1252 520 667 Knowledge Software Ltd mailto:derek@;knosof.co.uk Applications Standards Conformance Testing http://www.knosof.co.uk - Automatic footer for [EMAIL PROTECTED] ---------------------------------- To unsubscribe from this list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] unsubscribe discuss To join the announcements list, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] subscribe announce To receive a help file, mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] help This list is archived at http://www.mail-archive.com/discuss%40ppig.org/ If you have any problems or questions, please mail [EMAIL PROTECTED]
