Analyzing Programming Competency: A Student Perspective in Python Programming

Abstract

Computer programming is a skill that every information technology (IT) student must know and have. Computer programming is delivered using different programming languages. A programming language is a set of instructions to build computer programs. The College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) of Bulacan State University (BulSU) offers different programming languages to its IT students from first- to fourth-year level. One of the languages students must take is Python programming. Python programming language is a scripting language used to develop web applications, data analytics, machine learning, and more. This study focuses on determining the students' programming competency in Python programming using a paired sample t-test. To deliver its objective, a concurrent triangulation design of mixed methods research was utilized to gather quantitative and qualitative data at the same time from fourth-year IT students of BulSU-CICT. Using paired sample ttests to calculate and interpret the quantitative data gathered, this study found that there is a significant difference between the before and after performance of the students in programming (P<0.00l), specifically in Python programming. Additionally, a manual analysis was delivered on the thoughts of the students upon completing the course. It is highlighted that students learned a lot, and their expectations were met after taking the course. From what this study discovered, course offerings of other programming languages may also be subjected to analyze the need for course syllabus revisions to fit what the student needs based on their performance and thoughts.