Jask: Generation of questions about learners’ code in Java

Abstract

We present Jask, a system capable of generating questions about a learner's code written in Java. Given Java code as input, Jask provides a set of meaningful questions formulated in terms of the actual code (using its constructs and identifiers) and the corresponding correct answers. We integrated Jask in a web-based system where students submit their code (e.g., from lab exercises), answer questions about it, and obtain immediate formative feedback with the correct answers. An initial study involving 123 distinct introductory programming students providing 2274 answers revealed that questions pertaining to program dynamics tend to register low scores, possibly evidencing fragile comprehension of programming constructs. Participants were surveyed, revealing a positive view towards the usefulness of Jask, especially with respect to consolidating terminology.