Exploring Collaborative Learning for Programming Course to Enhance Students' Interest and Achievement

Abstract

As programming is one of the core subjects for BSc IT students, it is vital for them to have programming skill. However, students are often terrified of programming since it is a challenging subject. Traditionally, the programming teaching and learning process are limited to lectures and lab exercises. This approach is no longer appropriate in today's learning environment and required skills in the 21st century. Collaborative learning is acknowledged as an approach that fits the programming students. Thus, this chapter has adapted the collaborative approach in Programming 1 class. Three techniques were applied namely problem-based learning, buzz groups, and pair programming. At the end of the semester, an online survey to obtain students' opinions and a focus group discussion were conducted. In addition, the examination results of the repeaters were also compared. Results from the survey and focus group indicate that the collaborative approach is able to increase students' interest and the grade of the repeaters in the Programming 1 subject.