Visualizations in Preparing for Programming Exercise Sessions

Visualizations are widely researched and used in teaching but the results of their benefits in learning are vague. We introduce an experiment of using visualizations in learning introductory programming. The aim was to support students in their preparation for the exercise sessions by using visualizations. The students' preparation consists of two phases that both are supported: reviewing the subject and a homework assignment. Thus this is also a novel approach to using programming visualizations and integrating them to the course content.The experiment shows positive results especially among the students with no prior programming experience and the students who consider the programming course challenging. We conclude that integrating the use of visualizations to students' preparation for exercise sessions leads to better learning, more meaningful studying, and ultimately to better preparation. Therefore we also suggest this as a possible way for integrating visualizations to the course.