Student motivation towards learning to program

Anabela Gomes, Wei Ke, Chan Tong Lam, Maria Jose Marcelino, Antonio Mendes

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This Research to Practice Full Paper presents a study on student's motivation towards learning to program. Motivation is a key factor in learning. Hence, stimulating student motivation strategies should be present in any pedagogical approach. This is particularly true in courses where a very active student attitude is fundamental. Introductory programming courses in higher education are a good example, which are known to be difficult for many students. To be successful students need to be motivated, as effort and commitment are necessary to overcome the difficulties many of them experience. In our study we analyzed several motivational aspects separately and then we correlated that information with the marks students obtained in introductory programming courses. We used two questionnaires. The Course Interest Survey (CIS) and the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS). We could find some interesting correlations that confirm the importance of different motivational aspects to learning. We found other issues that demand more investigation, in order to create the best context to promote student motivation and learning.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFrontiers in Education
Subtitle of host publicationFostering Innovation Through Diversity, FIE 2018 - Conference Proceedings
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781538611739
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Jul 2018
Event48th Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2018 - San Jose, United States
Duration: 3 Oct 20186 Oct 2018

Publication series

NameProceedings - Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE
Volume2018-October
ISSN (Print)1539-4565

Conference

Conference48th Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Jose
Period3/10/186/10/18

Keywords

  • Introductory programming learning
  • Motivation
  • Students' perceptions

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