Learning to program was studied by following a group of undergraduate students of Computer Science while on their introductory course in programming, in a functional programming language, Standard Meta-Language (SML). The central question addressed was, What does it mean and what does it take to learn to program? The study was conducted in the phenomenographic tradition, seeking qualitatively distinct ways in which the students understood certain phenomena in and aspects of the programming they were studying. For the purposes of the study, "programming" was considered in terms of two sorts of constituents: framework constituents which are those aspects of programming not normally thematized in instruction, and technical constituents, which are those that form the body of instruction and practice during the course. Three framework constituents (programming itself, programming languages, and learning to program) and three technical constituents (the function, recursion and correctness) have been singled out for study. In addition, the ways in which students approached writing programs in response to given problems were studied. Sets of ways in which the constituents studied were understood (conceptions of the constituents), and distinctly different approaches to writing programs for given problems have been identified, presented and discussed. The results which have been presented are discussed in three principle ways. First, they are where possible placed into the field of relevant research into learning and learning to program. Second, they are discussed for what they tell one about what it means to learn to program. Thirdly, they are discussed with respect to their inter-relatedness and integrated with reference to the work of the phenomenologist Aron Gurwitsch. Learning to program is characterized as a growing awareness of the field of programming, seen in terms of developing not only qualitatively better conceptions of the constituents of programming but also quantitatively more conceptions. The skill of programming is then seen as a capacity for intuitively drawing upon the appropriate conception in given circumstances. The experience of programming is seen as the fundamental way of generating such conceptions, elaborating them and differentiating them. Implications for teaching lie in the nature of the conceptions identified. Stress is placed on the framework constituents in that teaching should encourage well-founded conceptions through example. Teaching should not merely try to bring about expert behaviour in students by offering expert views on the content, but give students the range of challenges which enable them to come to the expert understanding via experience. Teachers should above all be aware of the range of conceptions held by their students, and that poor conceptions are not necessarily caught in lab exercises and examinations.

A very simple book, told from a young childs perspective about hiding, giving, chatting and bouncing. The words are to difficult for emerging readers, but younger chindren will enjoy being read to. Two children and two parents, one set in a loving home. Very good book, with color illustrations, that will be of interest to students in K and 1st grade.

Lewis and Clark, A Prairie Dog for the President, is a fun read that's nicely paced. Author Shirley Raye Redmond uses whimsy and humor to tell this historic event: President Jefferson sends the eager Lewis and Clark off to explore the West. The vast young nation has never been fully explored. The president wonders how long it will take to get to the end of it and what they will find. One of my favorite parts is the banter over what to name the barking prairie creature they discover and send back to Jefferson.
"You can call it a ground rat."
"No, it looks like squirrel. I'll call it a barking squirrel."
"Squirrels don't bark. Dogs bark. We should call it a prairie dog."
"That's it!" Lewis and Clark agreed.
Later it starts all over again, when the President asks, "Is it a gopher?"
The illustrations by John Manders are just as pleasing. I like the facial expressions on the people and animals, especially the mischievous smile of the prairie dog. Manders is skilled at portraying action and emotions. And like the author, his sense of humor is so much fun. A buffalo and bear pose to be sketched. A buffalo won't fit in a shipping crate. Prairie dogs pop in and out of holes, eluding capture. A poor scout is so weighed down with "presents" for the President, he must be hoisted onto a boat.
Together, Shirley Raye Redmond and John Manders have created a delightful book.

Great book for any type of sales person but especially terrific for media sales reps. Just starting out or the seasoned pro Shirley Thom's book will help you "get over it" & get on with the business of successful selling. Shirley tells it like it is. After personally working with and for the author I can tell you the advice works.

Want to be in sales and be successful? This book will definitely help!

This book is so good for children who have behavior disorders or who are other health impaired. The children I teach love the selection of books and activities. I also use it in my counseling practice, it is great and covers a wide area of issues. It gives a safe way to approach certain areas of concern. I would recommend this book to teachers, therapistscounselors and all whoi work with children in the professions.

Bernard Waber is probably better known for the "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" series, and the sweet "Ira Sleeps Over," picture books which every young child should own. But "A Lion Named Shirley Williamson" is also worth a look. A telephone miscommunication causes the zoo to believe that its new lion is named Shirley Williamson. The special attention that Shirley receives as a result of her unusual moniker makes the other lions jealous. When Shirley is renamed "Bongo" and her favorite zookeeper fired, she escapes. I won't spoil the cute twist at the end, but let's just say all's well that ends well. The book has sprightly, simple drawings that perfectly suit the slightly offbeat story, and there's plenty of dry wit to keep parents amused, too.

The Little White Bunny is a beautiful and heartwarming story. A wonderful story for adults and children alike.

This book is really helpful, and easy to understand. Even if your finances are a mess right now, it tells you how to straighten them out. It gives good examples of how to get started investing. You don't have to spend all your money on lottery tickets to retire wealthy.

The real life poetic stories woven from Shirley's soul in this book will embrace your spirit and help you to take a second look at your life and because of this book you WILL take actions to reach, dream and live.

Must read!