Student ability and difficulties with transfer from a block-based programming language into other programming languages: a case study in Colombia

IF 3 Q1 EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

Computer Science Education Pub Date : 2022-06-02 DOI:10.1080/08993408.2022.2079867

Alejandro Espinal, Camilo Vieira, Valeria Guerrero-Bequis

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引用次数: 6

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background and context Transfer is a process where students apply their learning to different contexts. This process includes using their knowledge to solve problems with similar complexity, and in new contexts. In the context of programming, transfer also includes being able to understand and use different programming languages. Objective This study explores: (a) student ability to transfer from a block-based programming language into another block-based programming language; (b) student ability to transfer from a block-based programming language to a text-based programming language; (d) student ability to transfer their learning within the same programming language; and (d) the difficulties students had to transfer in these contexts. Method A group of students participating in a program called Coding For Kids explained three different programs in different programming languages during an interview protocol. The students used the programming language MakeCode, and worked on transfer activities in Scratch and Python. Findings The results suggest that while most students are able to transfer between block-based programming languages, most of them struggle to explain a program in a text-based programming language, and to solve a new coding challenge. Implications Instructional designers should consider different strategies to facilitate student transfer into professional programming languages, which is particularly difficult for non-English speakers.

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学生从基于块的编程语言转换为其他编程语言的能力和困难：哥伦比亚的一个案例研究

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来源期刊

Computer Science Education EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH-

CiteScore

6.90

自引率

3.70%

发文量

期刊介绍： Computer Science Education publishes high-quality papers with a specific focus on teaching and learning within the computing discipline. The journal seeks novel contributions that are accessible and of interest to researchers and practitioners alike. We invite work with learners of all ages and across both classroom and out-of-classroom learning contexts.