Assessment Tool

Lecture 8: Function Parameters

Content Tested: Pieces of a Function

Lecture Content:

Function parameters
Control flow/data flow
Return values
Function prototypes
Local variables

Goals:

Improve memory skills
Learn terms and facts of this subject
Learn concepts and theories of this subject

Assessment Technique: Memory Matrix

Purpose:

To allow instructors to find out if students understand the definitions and requirements of a function definition.

Activity:

Fill out the following matrix. The first column lists the concepts associated with a function. In the second column, write yes or no depending on if this concept is necessary for a function definition. In the third column, write the possible number of uses of each concept for a function definition.

Concept	Necessary (yes/no)	If used, how many are possible?
Local Variables
Return Statement
Return Value
Parameters
Function Name
Return Type
Prototype

After students complete their tables, have them compare their answers with their peers. Make sure that you go over the correct answers and explain any confusion about the terms.

Solution:

Concept	Necessary (yes/no)	If used, how many are possible?
Local Variables	no	zero or more
Return Statement	no (in the case of a void return type)	zero or more
Return Value	no	zero or one
Parameters	no	zero or more
Function Name	yes	one
Return Type	yes	one
Prototype	no (if function definition appears in file before function is called)	one

Possible Uses of Activity:

Let the students work on completing the table in a small group or as a class.
Encourage students to write down examples of functions and label each part with the correct term.