The Impact of Pair Programming on Interest, Perceptions, and Achievement in Computer Science

• In Event: 25.041 - Strengthening Placement, Developmental Education, and Learning for College Success

Abstract

Active and collaborative learning has shown considerable promise as a means for improving student outcomes and reducing long-standing group inequalities. The present study examined the impact of pair programming, which is a commonly used practice in which two students work on the same computer programming assignment collectively. Within a cluster-randomized trial of 1,936 undergraduates within 96 discussion sections across three introductory computer science courses, pair programming had no effect on students’ course performance; subject matter interest; plans for future coursework; or their confidence, comfort, and anxiety with computer science. However, pair programming may yield some benefits for students who have the least interest and most anxiety around computer science and computer programming.

Authors

• Nicholas A. Bowman, University of Iowa

• Lindsay Jarratt, The University of Iowa

• KC Culver, The University of Iowa

• Alberto Segre, The University of Iowa