Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming

• Computing
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• GCSE

Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming

Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming

Definition of OOP and its core concepts

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm based on "objects," instances of classes that encapsulate data and methods, and it uses core concepts like encapsulation, abstraction, inheritance, and polymorphism to enhance code modularity and reusability.

What do you already know about Object-Oriented Programming?

Classes and Objects

Understanding the concept of classes and their instantiation as objects

In object-oriented programming, a class acts as a blueprint for creating objects, which are instances of that class, each with their own distinct properties and behaviors defined by the class's attributes and methods.

Inheritance

Inheritance is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming that allows a new class (subclass) to inherit properties and methods from an existing class (superclass), facilitating code reuse and extension by enabling new functionalities to be built upon existing code bases.

Encapsulation

Encapsulation is a crucial principle in object-oriented programming that restricts direct access to an object's data and methods, ensuring data integrity and security by exposing only necessary components through public interfaces.

Polymorphism

Polymorphism in object-oriented programming allows objects of different classes to be treated as instances of a common parent class, enabling a single interface to represent different underlying forms of data and behaviour.

Abstract Classes and Interfaces

Abstract classes and interfaces in object-oriented programming provide templates and contracts for classes, with abstract classes allowing partial implementation of methods and interfaces requiring full method implementation by derived classes, ensuring a structured and consistent approach to software design.

Practical Exercise Overview

Applying object-oriented programming concepts through practical exercises and assessing understanding with review strategies enables students to actively engage with the material, reinforcing their learning by implementing and testing their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Review and Assessment

Object-oriented programming (OOP) uses classes and objects to encapsulate data and methods, leveraging inheritance for code reuse, polymorphism for flexible method implementation, and abstract classes and interfaces to define structured templates and contracts, all reinforced through practical application and assessment.

Summary and Q&A

Summarizing the key learnings and addressing any questions from the students

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.