Identifying difficulties in learning programming languages among freshman students

Abstract

Most computer science students face major problems with their first programming course. It happens that this course is a prerequisite for a chain of other major courses. Programming language is a form of expression of problem solving. Like all natural languages, practice is mandatory in order to express and master programming. In this work, a survey was conducted to identify the difficulties faced in the programming introductory course. Students were requested to answer a questionnaire posted on Moodle learning management system. Furthermore, the grades of different quizzes and problems given in tests are analyzed to assess the comprehension of the following basic concepts: memory concept, selection structures, loops and functions. The quizzes and the problems are designed to assess each concept independently. The results showed difficulties in the abstraction, the memory concept, and a confusion between the equality operator in mathematics which is sculptured into the mind of students during their long years in schools with the new assignment operator in programming. In addition, insufficient practice is recognized as a major obstacle to learning programming.