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Currently, the registration craze for the first round of CSP-J/S 2024 certification is sweeping in, with the certification set to kick off on September 21. Given last year’s spectacular scene where nearly 150,000 participants registered, a significant wave of registrations is expected this year.
With the increasing popularity of information technology education, more and more parents are turning their attention to C++ programming and the Olympiad in Informatics (IOI), hoping to add a touch of brilliance to their children’s future. However, a common question arises: how far can children go on this path? What are the chances of winning an award? And how can they reasonably plan their learning path to ensure that every effort yields the expected rewards?
In response to the core question of “How long will it take to learn C++ and participate in the CSP-J/S certification to have a chance of winning an award?”, we will analyze it from multiple dimensions, aiming to provide parents with a practical reference guide. Please read carefully, as it may light a lamp for your child’s programming journey. This article is filled with valuable insights and is worth saving!
01.
Child’s Own Foundation
In preparing for the CSP-J/S, the primary task is to clearly understand the differences in assessment content and difficulty between the preliminary and final rounds. The preliminary round, as a threshold, is metaphorically likened to the graduation level of a university computer science department, requiring candidates to possess a solid programming foundation and logical thinking ability. The final round, however, further escalates the challenge, with difficulty rising to the level of graduate graduation, not only testing depth and breadth but also emphasizing innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.
It is worth noting that the differences between the preliminary and final rounds go beyond just the difficulty gradient; they also exhibit significant differences in question design, assessment focus, and required abilities. Therefore, candidates need to adopt a divide-and-conquer strategy, tailoring preparation plans for each stage to ensure comprehensive and in-depth preparation, so as to meet the challenges in the best condition.
1. In terms of exam format, the CSP-J/S preliminary round adopts a traditional written test method, focusing on theoretical knowledge assessment; while the final round shifts to a computer-based test, not only testing practical programming but also requiring candidates to quickly adapt to the NOI Linux 2.0 system environment to enhance practical efficiency.
2. Regarding scoring and question type settings, the preliminary round is set to a full score of 100 points, covering single-choice questions, reading programs, and completing program questions to comprehensively assess theoretical foundations; the final round, however, significantly increases to 400 points, with only four major questions, all of which are programming design questions, deeply testing programming ability and algorithm application.
3. As for the scope of assessment, the preliminary round focuses on theoretical knowledge in the field of informatics, building a solid disciplinary foundation; the final round extends further to practical programming, emphasizing the comprehensive ability of algorithm design and program coding, truly transforming knowledge into the ability to solve practical problems.
From the above, it can be seen that the biggest difference between the two is that preliminary round candidates do not need to write code, while the final round specifically tests coding.So, what kind of children can learn well C++ and participate in the IOI??
1
Children good at math are more likely to learn C++ well
Children who excel in math often find it easier to learn programming languages because, although the knowledge learned in the two subjects is different, both require similar thinking skills.Children with good math grades possess strong logical thinking abilities, so those good at math will have an advantage in learning programming.
2
Children with interest
Interest is like a guiding light that leads children to explore the wonderful world of C++. C++, as a programming language that is both challenging and somewhat dry, often attracts those who are keen on problem-solving and enjoy deep research.For children who are not yet strongly interested, parents should adopt a strategy of patient waiting, avoiding introducing elements that may lead to boredom too early. After all, maintaining a thirst for knowledge and curiosity during childhood is far more important than mastering skills at a moment’s notice. Allowing children to approach the realm of C++ with naturally growing interests at an appropriate age will ensure they can walk further and more steadily on the programming path.
3
Children with a programming foundation
Although C++ is the core language assessed in the IOI, few contestants start directly with C++; most children have first explored programming languages like Python and Scratch, building a diverse programming foundation. Gold medal winners are no exception; they often focus on honing their skills in C++ after exploring a wide range of languages. This indicates that early programming enlightenment is crucial for children, as it not only stimulates their interest and passion for computer science but also cultivates a resilient learning attitude.
Programming foundation is like a solid cornerstone, paving the way for children to learn C++ later. It not only promotes early understanding of computer principles and programming logic but also instills confidence and composure when facing challenges. Through systematic learning, children can solidly grasp basic programming concepts and skills, such as input/output, operator usage, variable management, program structure (sequential, branching, looping), etc. Mastering this foundational knowledge undoubtedly provides them with powerful tools to solve complex mathematical and logical problems, enabling them to integrate more quickly and deeply understand the essence of C++.
It is recommended to start learning early, and later learning C++ will be more effortless for children.
C++ Syntax Course
At this stage, to help students win awards in the later CSP-J exam, the learning content includes C++ syntax knowledge, covering 86 key points.
Informatics Competition Course: CSP-J Stage
At the CSP-J stage, to help students achieve awards in the CSP-J exam, the learning content includes C++ syntax knowledge, algorithms, and data structures knowledge, covering 300 key points.
Informatics Competition Course: CSP-S (NOIP)
To win awards in the CSP-S (NOIP) exam, students at this stage, after completing the CSP-J course, will have a certain foundation in informatics. The learning content at this stage mainly focuses on advanced algorithms and data structures knowledge, covering 200 key points.
Intensive Training Sprint Course
There are summer and winter training camps, with a complete course type, including CSP-J/S preliminary sprint courses, CSP-J/S final sprint courses, and CSP-J basic syntax courses. Students from zero foundation to advanced groups can participate, quickly learning knowledge and improving learning effectiveness during long vacations.
02.
Is the province a “strong province” or a “weak province”
The chances of winning cannot be underestimated, as regional factors play a significant role, given that the difficulty and competition dynamics of CSP-J/S certification vary greatly between provinces. When children register to compete, they are actually competing with their peers within the province, which makes the competition landscape between regions significantly different.
Looking at last year’s competition, provinces with strong educational backgrounds such as Beijing, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, even with an increase in the number of final round spots, still had high preliminary round score lines, highlighting the fierce competitive environment in these areas. In contrast, some provinces with less competition had lower score lines, with relatively relaxed promotion thresholds, even recording a super low promotion line of 20 points and high promotion rates.
Thus, there is a saying: “Strong provinces determine the outcome in the preliminary round, while weak provinces show their skills in the final round.” Students from strong provinces often need to stand out in the preliminary round to qualify for further competition, and once they advance to the final round, their chances of winning significantly increase. Therefore, for informatics enthusiasts from strong provinces such as Zhejiang, Shandong, Beijing, Guangdong, and Sichuan, the preliminary round is particularly crucial, and they must make every effort, especially students from the popular group, who should be well-prepared.
In stark contrast, in the case of Zhejiang and Hainan provinces, the promotion rate in the preliminary round for Zhejiang is far lower than that of Hainan, but during the final round, the situation reverses, with Zhejiang’s promotion rate climbing. This fully illustrates that regional differences have a profound impact on the competition strategies and preparation time of candidates. Students from strong provinces need to start preparing earlier, reserving a year or even longer to prepare carefully to seize limited promotion opportunities.
Additionally, the cultural atmosphere and educational resources between provinces are also factors that cannot be ignored. A superior learning environment and guidance from experienced coaches can inspire children’s learning motivation and safeguard their competition journey. Therefore, when planning their children’s learning paths, parents need to fully consider regional factors to lay a solid foundation for their children’s success.
03.
Learning Motivation and Continuity
Ultimately, we focus on the core personal factor influencing children’s journey in the IOI—learning initiative, which acts like a compass, directly guiding whether children can steadfastly move forward on this challenging path until they reach their destination.
The IOI, as a competition arena filled with elites, recognizes each honor as a testament to the contestants’ exceptional abilities. This long-term battle requires children not only to shine in moments but also to persistently strive and make efforts over the years.
Faced with exams lasting several hours, children’s endurance and concentration become indispensable weapons. Whether they can remain calm during prolonged thinking until the final whistle depends entirely on that inner learning initiative.
Moreover, the secret to success in the IOI lies in “preparing for the rainy day and practicing diligently.” Whether gifted or average, only through meticulous preparation and massive practical training in advance can they navigate the competition arena smoothly. A commitment of at least ten hours a week is the best interpretation of this passion and pursuit.
The difficulties of the competition and the test of time together forge the contestants’ resilience. For every little warrior on the path of the IOI, tenacity and determination to face challenges are more valuable than talent.
It is noteworthy that the milestone of three hundred questions is not only a stepping stone to entry-level awards but also a quantifiable reflection of children’s perseverance and determination. Without this persistence and effort, even the most gifted will find it hard to reach the shores of success. Therefore, teaching children to be able to sit still and focus during their journey in the IOI is a key step towards victory.
04.
Accumulated Competition ExperienceIn cases of equal ability, students with rich competition experience grasp more competition skills and thus achieve higher scores. Therefore, a child’s competition experience significantly influences how long it takes them to win awards in the IOI.Firstly, frequently participating in informatics-related competitions helps accumulate competition experience.Contestants who regularly participate in competitions have more opportunities to interact with other experts, recognize their own levels, and learning and exchanging with experts will help them improve. This refers not only to the competition experience gained in real competitions but also the trial-and-error experience gained from participating in simulated competitions during regular training.In addition to participating in CSP, children can also take part in many informatics activities, such as the GESP level certification that connects with CSP, along with new informatics competition activities organized by various provinces and platforms. As long as they are relevant competition activities, they can help accumulate competition experience and obtain more resources and information.Secondly, pay attention toCSPsimulated competitions to familiarize with the competition format. Frequent simulated competitions can effectively improve familiarity with algorithms and psychological quality. Only by adapting to the competition environment can one avoid mistakes during the competition and promptly adjust learning methods and strategies based on post-competition errors.Many contestants initially lack competition experience and cannot accept their mistakes, leading to tears. However, after a period of training, they can humbly face their scores, maintain a calm mindset, and answer questions steadily until the last second, showing significant improvement.Finally, let’s summarize the key points:Under the premise that conditions such as foundation and learning motivation are met, children from strong provinces need to prepare for two and a half years to win awards in CSP, while children from weak provinces need about one and a half years.
Source | Transferred from the internet
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