Using new methodologies in teaching computer programming

Abstract

This paper presents the implementation of additional learning methods in teaching computer programming techniques in an undergraduate computer engineering education course. In the first semesters of this study, (2013–2014), a traditional instructional delivery of the computer programming was used. In the following semesters (2014–2016), project based service-learning and active learning was employed, as an evaluation tool to assess the students' motivation to learn. Their learning outcomes were compared to the first semester students' outcomes, known as a control group. We present the results conducted in six successive semesters, where total of 75 students participated. The results indicate that using active learning strategies increase their active participation and the ability to think logically, while engaging students in service-learning, gives them the opportunity to broaden their educational experience outside classroom projects, and boosts their self-efficacy.