Drawing Analogies between Logic Programming and Natural Language Argumentation Texts to Scaffold Learners’ Understanding

• Published in: Journal of information technology education Vol. 13; pp. 73 - 89
• Main Authors: Ragonis, Noa, Shilo, Gila
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Santa Rosa Informing Science Institute 2014
• Subjects: Abstract Reasoning; Algorithms; Artificial Intelligence; Cognitive Processes; Computational Linguistics; Computer Science; Inferences; Influence of Technology; Information Technology; Language Processing; Language Research; Linguistics; Literature Reviews; Logical Thinking; Natural Language Processing; Persuasive Discourse; Programming; Programming Languages; Research Methodology; Research Tools; Semitic Languages; Technology Education
• ISSN: 1547-9714; 1547-9706; 1539-3585; 1539-3585
• DOI: 10.28945/1951

The paper presents a theoretical investigational study of the potential advantages that secondary school learners may gain from learning two different subjects, namely, logic programming within computer science studies and argumentation texts within linguistics studies. The study suggests drawing an analogy between the two subjects since they both require similar abstraction skills manifested in the analysis of texts and in capturing their logic structure and inference. We propose that drawing analogies between two representations of argumentation texts can advance students' understanding, and, furthermore, using computerized systems may enable students to interact with linguistics texts and thus enhance their understanding. The paper explores the connections between the two disciplines, emphasizing the similar structures used to express the knowledge, and presents the similar abstract thinking processes that learners must carry out. Further implications for curricula are discussed.