Pair programming and secondary school girls' enjoyment of programming and the subject Information Technology (IT)

• Published in: Computer science education Vol. 22; no. 3; pp. 219 - 236
• Main Authors: Liebenberg, Janet, Mentz, Elsa, Breed, Betty
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Norwood Routledge 01.09.2012; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Classroom Techniques; Computer Attitudes; Computer Science Education; Cooperative Learning; cooperative/collaborative learning; Females; Foreign Countries; Gender Issues; gender studies; Grade 10; Grade 11; Information Technology; Instructional Design; Learning Strategies; Motivation Techniques; pair programming; Programming; Qualitative Research; secondary education; Secondary School Students; Secondary schools; Semi Structured Interviews; South Africa; Student Attitudes; Studies; Teaching Methods; teaching/learning strategies; Teamwork; South Africa
• ISSN: 0899-3408; 1744-5175
• DOI: 10.1080/08993408.2012.713180

This paper reports on a qualitative study that examined how pair programming shapes the experience of secondary school girls taking IT as a subject, with respect to their enjoyment of programming and the subject itself. The study involved six Grade 11 girls who were doing solo programming in Grade 10 and pair programming in their following Grade. The results showed that the girls enjoyed the subject more when programming in pairs due to improved comprehension of the task. They especially enjoyed the socialization and communication brought about by pair programming. The assistance, support, motivation, focus and encouragement they received from partners when stuck or while fixing errors made the programming experience more enjoyable for them. The increased enjoyment brought about by pair programming resulted in the perception of greater learning in the subject IT and also to greater interest in it. It also led to greater persistence in dealing with problems. Pair programming should be implemented right from the start of Grade 10 since it may lead to greater enjoyment of programming and the subject IT in general. The approach may also lead to more girls being attracted to the subject.