Potentializing the problem-solving competence in programming courses through a practice-based learning plus tutoring strategy

Solve problems through a programming language is a competence that computer science students must dominate. To achieve this competence is essential that, in addition to studying the syntax of a programming language, the students develop their algorithmic thinking; one of the ways to obtain this and probably the most important is through practice. Professors should provide the students with a learning environment that allows them to takes advantage of their potential and motivate them to put into practice what they are learning at the right time with inspiring and challenging exercises that encourage solving them. It is also highly desirable to generate in the students the certitude that they are coding correctly and their solutions solve the exercise they are facing, feeling assured that their work is correct and complete, increasing their interest in learning more. This is when students need to be mentored with timely feedback. It is required that the feedback provided promotes reflection and motivation in the student to create new strategies to improve the solution to the problems that arise. The purpose of this document is to demonstrate that the use of the practice-based learning strategy together with adequate mentoring at the correct time strengthens the competence of student problem-solving.