Active Learning with Code Writing in Large Lectures

Abstract

Studies have found that many CS students perform poorly on basic programming tasks, and interviewers in industry complain that CS graduates cannot write code. Learning gains have been shown from active learning techniques such as Peer Instruction, but only for multiple-choice questions, not for writing code. Studies of multiple choice questions such as code tracing have shown weak correlations to code writing, and extremely small improvements in syntax in only one third of students. These results are consistent with a