Student motivation towards learning to program

Abstract

This Research to Practice Full Paper presents a study on student’s motivation towards learning to program. Motivation is a key factor in learning. Hence, stimulating student motivation strategies should be present in any pedagogical approach. This is particularly true in courses where a very active student attitude is fundamental. Introductory programming courses in higher education are a good example, which are known to be difficult for many students. To be successful students need to be motivated, as effort and commitment are necessary to overcome the difficulties many of them experience. In our study we analyzed several motivational aspects separately and then we correlated that information with the marks students obtained in introductory programming courses. We used two questionnaires. The Course Interest Survey (CIS) and the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS). We could find some interesting correlations that confirm the importance of different motivational aspects to learning. We found other issues that demand more investigation, in order to create the best context to promote student motivation and learning.