Create a physical model of Java objects and references in order to demonstrate situations where multiple references point to the same object in a way that’s easier for students to comprehend.

  • Students often get confused about multiple references to the same object, but a physical model helps clear up those misconceptions.
  • To create a physical model you’ll need to have a few props.
    • Object Props: use something like a stuffed animal to represent an object
    • Java Memory Reference Props: use something like cereal boxes to represent memory references.
      • You’ll need to print out Java memory diagrams and place them on the cereal boxes.
    • Having physical props allows you to point towards an object in order to show students how references work.
    • Using the props described above, position the top of the cereal box such that it points towards the object.
  • In the image below Colleen is pointing a Dog and an Animal Java memory reference (the cereal props) at an object (the dog stuffed animal prop).
    • Lewis pointing a Dog and an Animal Java memory reference (the cereal box) at an object (the stuffed animal dog)
  • To see this demonstration in action, check out this CS Education Zoo video with our very own Colleen Lewis!