Coders Assembly: Peer assisted learning model for freshman programming courses

Publication Type

Conference Proceeding Article

Publication Date

3-2022

Abstract

Today, computing graduates see a bright outlook thanks to the high demand for skills driven by the increasing importance of technology as the main driving force behind business transformation. As technology continues to grow exponentially over recent years, computing graduates have some of the highest starting salaries in the market. Even though universities have increased production of computing degree graduates in recent years, it is insufficient to fill the jobs available in the market. Therefore, going forward, the demand is likely to further increase. The continued demand for computing programs in universities has led to an increased intake size, thus straining faculty workloads. Universities must consider funneling more resources into computing programs to address faculty’s increasing workload. Past studies have shown that peer learning environments enable increased productivity for faculty and enhanced educational quality for students. In this article, we describe a peer assisted learning model for an introductory programming course — Coders Assembly — designed and driven by undergraduate students in a computing program. Our model centers on four key areas – process, people, content, and technology. We reflect on our experience of implementing this peer assisted learning model and the result of a student survey.

Keywords

Programming courses, student learning, peer learning, higher education

Discipline

Databases and Information Systems | Software Engineering

Research Areas

Information Systems and Management

Publication

2022 IEEE Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON): Tunisia, March 28-31: Proceedings

First Page

1128

Last Page

1134

ISBN

9781665444347

Identifier

10.1109/EDUCON52537.2022.9766798

Publisher

IEEE

City or Country

Piscataway, NJ

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1109/EDUCON52537.2022.9766798

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