Studies and reflections on the difficulties of teaching beginner computer programmers

Anabela Gomes, University of Coimbra, Portugal

Abstract

In higher education, the teaching and learning of introductory programming are far from being at a desirable level, not only because of the results achieved by students, but also because of the level of programming knowledge that most students acquire. This presentation reflects a set of aspects resulting from studies that the author has been carrying out for several years on the difficulties associated with this theme. These studies point out several problems common to populations with different interests, motivations and cultures. The preparation, the level of basic knowledge and motivation of the students, the study methods applied, the nature of the programming and the teaching approaches used are the main problems identified. Although the Computer Science Education academic community has come up with several proposals, usually embodied in the form of computer tools of different types and purposes with some positive results, the problem remains unresolved. This lecture is a starting point for a joint reflection on different approaches with promising results and identifying areas with great research potential but, yet have not been explored. Aspects such as Learning Styles, Educational Taxonomies, Motivational Strategies, Regulation of individual or social Learning, the use of Brain Computer Interaction or Auxiliary Tools for teaching are elements to be addressed in this lecture.