A Methodology for Teaching Computer Programming: first year students’ perspective

Abstract

—The teaching of computer programming is one of the greatest challenges that have remained for years in Computer Science Education. A particular case is computer programming course for the beginners. While the traditional objectivist lecture-based approaches do not actively engage students to achieve their learning outcome, we believe that integrating some cutting-edge processes and practices like agile method into the teaching approaches will be leverage. Agile software development has gained widespread popularity and acceptance in the software industry and integrating the ideas into teaching will be constructive. In the educational system, while the positive impact of agile principles has been felt on students' projects, none has been experienced on the teaching aspect. Therefore, this paper proposes the use of agile process in the teaching of first year programming courses. The goal is to help the beginners develop their programming skills, proffer a teaching technology that maximizes students' chances of engagement, improve teaching as teachers reflects on what they are teaching and what the students are learning. Additionally, beginners will be able to operate the computer, program, and improve their programming skills through active team collaboration as well as managing large classes effectively by the teacher.