A comparative study of the effectiveness of transitioning from block-based or text-based programming to Python

• In Event: TIL- Exploring Best Practices of Programming Instruction

Short Description

This study compared the transition from block-based programming to Python (BPP) with the transition from text-based programming to Python (TPP) in regard to computational thinking, programming behaviors, and attitudes in a 16-week quasi-experiment with 64 secondary students. The study found that TPP learners had significantly higher scores in creativity, collaboration, and total computational thinking; more code writing and debugging behaviors, and fewer irrelevant behaviors; and the same level of enjoyment, confidence, and interest.

Authors

• Contributor: Dan Sun, Hangzhou Normal University

• Contributor: Fan Xu, The Ohio State University

• Contributor: Chengcong Zhu, Xiaoshan High School

• Contributor: Yan LI, Zhejiang University