Problem-based Collaborative Learning Strategy in Computer Programming

Abstract

Computer programming is the basic skill that has to be possessed by students who attend Algorithm and Programming courses. This skill requires a problem solving strategy and involves a large number of programming logic activities. The purpose of this study is to offer a collaborative learning environment in order to provide a learning experience by interacting socially. However, social interaction does not just happen; the appropriate guiding strategies are needed to support collaborative learning. The proposed strategy is a problem-based practice strategy. This research was conducted on the second semester students of the Informatics Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Computer Science, Pelita Indonesia. Two classes were used for testing, namely the control class with 16 students and the experimental class with 15 students. The control class is taught by conventional collaborative learning and the experimental class is taught by collaborative learning using problem-based practice strategies. The results show that the proposed strategy can be useful for students in improving computer programming skills in a collaborative learning environment with a problem-based approach.