Students learn CS in different ways: insights from an empirical study

ABSTRACT

This empirical study demonstrates that students' learning of computer science takes place in qualitatively different ways. The results consists of categories, where each category describe a certain way, in which the students approach their learning. The paper demonstrates that some of the ways to tackle the learning are better than others in resulting in a good learning outcome, and that they therefore should be encouraged. The data, underlying these results, are collected through interviews with third and fourth year students in two countries, and are further analyzed, using a phenomenographic research approach.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education

General Terms:
Human Factors

Keywords:
computer science education research, phenomenography, the act of learning