Assessment Tool

Lecture 5: Input & Output

Content Tested: Differences between input and output

Lecture Content:

Output: printf
Input: scanf
Basic format codes
More on initializing variables

Goals:

Develop analytic skills
Develop ability to draw reasonable inferences from observations
Improve memory skills
Develop appropriate study skills, strategies, and habits
Learn terms and facts of this subject
Learn concepts and theories of this subject

Assessment Technique: Categorizing Grids

Purpose:

This activity allows instructors to see if students understand if concepts are associated with input, with output, or with both.

Activity:

Today we saw the basic input and output operations in C programming. Below is a list of concepts. State whether each concept is associated with input, with output, or with both input and output. Then, state reason(s) for your selection.

1. computer keyboard

2. computer mouse

3. printing a document

4. printf()

5. computer disk

6. scanf()

7. "read" operation

8. "write" operation

9. computer monitor

10. main memory

11. control string

12. & operator

13. initializing variables

14. data into memory

15. data from memory

Possible Solution:

1. computer keyboard
INPUT -- the keyboard gets data from the user

2. computer mouse
INPUT -- mouse clicks provide input from the user

3. printing a document
OUTPUT -- writes data to paper

4. printf()
OUTPUT -- prints contents of variables to console window

5. computer disk
BOTH -- a disk can provide data to the computer (loading a program) and can also be used to write data (saving a new version of a document)

6. scanf()
INPUT -- scans in data from the console window

7. "read" operation
INPUT -- reads a value and stores it in memory

8. "write" operation
OUTPUT -- writes a value from memory to some sort of output device

9. computer monitor
OUTPUT -- displays output such as text, pictures, tables

10. main memory
BOTH -- memory is involved in both input and output

11. control string
BOTH -- a control string is necessary for printf() and scanf()

12. & operator
INPUT -- & is used with the input function scanf()

13. initializing variables
INPUT -- one can initialize variables using the input function scanf()

14. data into memory
INPUT -- when data is input, it gets stored in memory

15. data from memory
OUTPUT -- when writing data to an output device, the data must come from memory

Possible Uses of Activity:

Have students work in groups to complete this activity. The instructor may want to circulate throughout the groups to ensure that each group is making progress. After the groups have completed their lists, the instructor can ask for votes on each item. It is important to clear up any conflicting votes.
Have students work individually on their lists and then form groups of 4-5 people to discuss their individual lists with other members of the group.