44 / 2017-05-16 00:04:38

Evaluating Student Perceptions and Learning Outcomes: Differences Between SLA-aBLE and Non-SLA-aBLe Introductory Programming Courses

programming language,MATLAB,hybrid,blended,second language

Engineering and computer science and subsequently knowledge of programming language is an increasingly vital skill in today’s workforce. First year engineering students are introduced to programming in addition to the rigorous course loads of their first year. Second Language Acquisition (SLA) techniques have been applied to programming course content delivery and have shown promise as an effective means of better educating new students. SLA techniques were applied to an introductory engineering course which teaches basic programming skills. This study examined four semesters worth of course evaluations and three semesters worth of grades to better understand differences between SLA-aBLe and Non-SLA-aBLe form of delivery in the course EGR 115. Students recorded difficulties associated with hybrid learning (online and face-to-face classes) in both SLA-aBLe and Non-SLA-aBLe sections. Despite these difficulties students learning outcomes and perceptions are positively correlated with SLA delivery.