On the design of effective learning materials for supporting self-directed learning of programming

Abstract

This paper reports on the action research that studies how to implement self-directed learning of programming in the academic context. Based on our findings from the previous steps with this research agenda, we focus on the design of learning materials. That is, we aim to facilitate the students' self-directed learning by developing illustrative and concise materials that the students could use to efficiently develop theoretical understanding of the learning topics. In designing the materials, we will rely on the cognitive load theory as the guiding theoretical framework. The paper demonstrates the planning stage of our second action research cycle.