Blend foundational CS concepts with prompt-specific strategies as a complementary entry pathway into computing¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The authors recommend that prompt-based programming blend foundational CS0 concepts (e.g., function inputs/outputs) with more advanced practices (e.g., test-driven development, edge case reasoning) and prompt-specific strategies. They argue it "may offer a complementary pathway, particularly for students who are intimidated by syntax or control flow", providing a more accessible entry point into computing rather than replacing traditional coding instruction. They caution that sustained practice would likely be needed for fluency.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Structured prompts and guided practice opportunities aligned with lesson objectives

Constraints¶

• Gains were modest (less than one additional problem solved on average); may not generalize to open-ended, multi-step real-world problems where natural language alone may not suffice

Target Learners¶

• students intimidated by syntax or control flow
• end-user programmers

Target Learning Goals¶

• entering computing through prompt-based programming
• articulating intentions for AI code generation

Related Strategies¶

• Make output verification an individually accountable practice within team assignments via rubric requirements
• Treat AI as a guided support tool and explicitly build verification and skepticism into learning goals

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Keith Tran, Samiha Marwan, and Thomas Price. (2026). Teaching Prompt-Based Programming with LLMs: A 45-Minute Lesson with Guided Practice for End-User Programmers. https://arxiv.org/abs/2606.30547