Automating the teaching of artificial language using production systems

Abstract

The work to be described here is an investigation into the means whereby the learning of programming languages may be made easier. The role of formal definitions of programming languages is studied and a system is described which utilises production systems as the basis for generating an environment in which students may test their understanding of programming languages. This system for automating the teaching of programming languages provides an experimental testbed for carrying out further investigations into programming behaviour.