Ping-pong pairing

[sofer]

What do people think about introducing a more rigorous approach to programming in the classroom, in particular mandating ping-pong pairing?

[sofer]

See also http://articles.coreyhaines.com/posts/thoughts-on-pair-programming/

[sofer]

Also, how do people feel about insisting that pairs start by writing out a potential solution on paper first?

[jackcarlisle]

I think both the ping-pong introduction and the paper solutions ideas are great! I've found personally that by writing a solution down on paper first allows you to organise your thoughts in a clearer way. I would usually write the solution in plain English first and then translate it into code.