The Use of Pair Programming to Support Introductory Programming Teaching: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The use of new practices aimed at assisting in the teaching-learning process of programming is a topic widely discussed by professionals in the area. In the midst of this, this paper proposes the use of Pair Programming to support the introductory programming learning and presents the positive and negative aspects according to the literature and also through qualitative data obtained in the use of this practice in a Brazilian instructional context. These data were the result of direct observations, and the application of an online form and interviews. After a thematic analysis of this data, we have observed positive aspects such as the development of the ability to work as a team and to improve the interaction and communication between students. Some negative aspects were also observed, such as divergences between the members of the pair on how to code, and the delay that may occur if the pair members do not have much affinity or the same level of knowledge.