Bridging the Gap: Template-Based Coding for Transitioning from Visual Logic to Text-Based Programming

Abstract

Visual programming environments, which utilize visual blocks or flowcharts to represent programming logic, have emerged as a key strategy to assist novice learners in overcoming the complexities associated with text-based programming. However, transitioning from these visual representations to full-text programming often presents a significant challenge for these learners. One solution to this challenge is the use of template-based coding, which has been shown to increase performance and reduce the number of errors made by students studying computer programming. This study used an experimental assignment and survey to evaluate the Code-By-Template (CBT) application among 82 students, revealing enhanced coding proficiency and positive student attitudes, highlighting the effectiveness of CBT in programming learning. The CBT, in particular, has been found to enhance students’ performance in successfully solving programming problems. The observed improvement in performance can be attributed to a 17% increase in scores (correctness) during the same time frame, suggesting a decrease in the number of errors. It is important to acknowledge that the scores mostly depend on the number and type of errors. Beyond this performance improvement, students have also expressed interest, describing the CBT as “extremely helpful” and “making programming easier.” This highlights the qualitative benefits of the tool in promoting appreciation for it, indicating its potential to enhance engagement as well as learning outcomes. The difficulty of learning programming code has had a persistent impact on retention rates in computer programming courses. However, the improved performance and learning ease facilitated by the CBT environment may offer a solution to this retention problem. By making the learning process more manageable and less error-prone, the CBT environment can help to ensure confidence-boosting and interest-fostering that lead to more students successfully completing their programming courses and continuing their studies in this field.