DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2019.78
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2068
Date of Award
7-2019
Degree Name
MS in Computer Science
Department/Program
Computer Science
Advisor
Alex Dekhtyar
Abstract
The Structured Query Language (SQL) is widely used and challenging to master. Within the context of lab exercises in an introductory database course, this thesis analyzes the student learning process and seeks to answer the question: ``Which SQL concepts, or concept combinations, trouble students the most?'' We provide comprehensive taxonomies of SQL concepts and errors, identify common areas of student misunderstanding, and investigate the student problem-solving process. We present an interactive web application used by students to complete SQL lab exercises. In addition, we analyze data collected by this application and we offer suggestions for improvement to database lab activities.