Understanding elements, strengths and challenges of explicit instruction for the teaching of computer programming (to post-graduate students)

Abstract

Computer programming continues to be challenging despite numerous strategies and skills that researchers and instructors have shared over four decades. Using explicit instruction (EI) to help students learn and better understand computer programming presents a promising avenue for tackling this challenge. The aim of this study was twofold. Firstly, to identify elements to consider in an instructional strategy for teaching using the EI principles. Secondly, to identify strengths and challenges presented by the EI interventions in teaching computer programming to postgraduate Computer Science students. Collected data were analyzed through thematic analysis, and the results reveal nine major strengths and five main challenges related to EI. The study followed an integrated methodological approach where narrative data was collected through observations and asking questions. This study informs how improvements can be made in the future teaching of computer programming to enhance the quality of teaching using the principles of EI.