Wild Programming – One Unintended Experiment with Inquiry Based Learning

Abstract

This paper describes one unplanned experiment of a 6th grade student writing her first computer program for 3D graphics before learning any programming language. Some intriguing aspects in her program are analyzed, especially the emerging understanding of key concepts like enumeration, naming conventions of variables and symmetry in 3D space. The paper also identifies two main directions of mental processes. The first direction is actively supported by the school. It is based on presenting and using knowledge in a distilled error-free way. The other direction encompasses techniques needed to identify wrong solutions and to find a way to overcome problems and reach a correct solution. This direction in underrepresented in the educational system and as a result, it is left uncultivated. Students are expected to develop such skills by themselves.