What are the problems encountered by computer programming students in coding

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Problems Encountered by Computer Programming Students in Coding

Inadequate Educational Foundation in Computational Thinking

One of the primary issues faced by computer programming students is an inadequate educational foundation in computational thinking (CT). This problem is particularly prevalent among vocational students who often lack the necessary preparation in CT before they begin learning programming. Without a solid foundation in CT, students struggle to grasp the fundamental concepts required for effective coding and problem-solving.

Lack of Interest and Motivation

Another significant challenge is the lack of interest and motivation among students. Many students find programming tedious and unengaging, which leads to high drop-out rates and poor performance in programming courses. This lack of interest can be attributed to the perception that programming is difficult and the absence of engaging and interactive teaching methods.

Difficulty in Understanding Basic Programming Concepts

Students often face difficulties in understanding the basic concepts of programming. This includes challenges with multidimensional arrays, input/output commands, and debugging their own programs. These difficulties are not limited to a specific group of students but are observed across different levels of proficiency, indicating a widespread issue in the comprehension of fundamental programming principles.

Misconceptions and Syntactic Knowledge

Misconceptions and a lack of syntactic knowledge are common problems among novice programmers. Students frequently misunderstand programming constructs and struggle with the syntax of programming languages. These misconceptions can hinder their ability to write correct and efficient code, leading to frustration and decreased confidence in their programming abilities.

Code Quality and Best Practices

Novice programmers often produce low-quality code that violates coding conventions and best practices. Common issues include poor coding style, lack of modularization, and unclear expressions . These problems persist over time, and students rarely improve their code quality without explicit instruction and feedback. Addressing these issues early in the learning process is crucial to developing good programming habits.

Challenges with Problem-Solving and Debugging

Programming requires strong problem-solving skills, which many students find challenging to develop. The process of decomposing tasks, mapping them to programming constructs, and debugging programs is complex and demands a variety of skills. Students often struggle to coordinate information from error messages, program plans, and actual code, making debugging a particularly difficult task.

Lack of Effective Collaborative Learning

While collaborative learning can enhance programming skills through social interaction and shared learning experiences, it does not occur automatically. Without proper guidance and support, collaborative learning activities can be ineffective and fail to improve students' programming skills. Implementing structured collaborative learning strategies, such as problem posing-based practices, can help address this issue and improve learning outcomes.

Conclusion

Computer programming students face a range of challenges, from inadequate foundational knowledge in computational thinking to difficulties in understanding basic programming concepts and maintaining code quality. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including enhancing educational foundations, increasing student engagement, providing clear instruction on programming concepts, and fostering effective collaborative learning environments. By tackling these problems, educators can better support students in developing the skills and confidence needed to succeed in programming.