Hands-on in Computer Programming Education

More and a wider range of students are learning to program as part of their formal education in Sweden as well as in other countries. In computer programming as in other laboratory subjects, the student's active learning in the form of physical motor movement is important. Nevertheless, there are gaps in understanding how, when, and why practical hands-on learning has positive effects. To study the effects of hands-on for novices leaning to program, an experiment in a controlled setting is planned, along with an in-depth study in an authentic classroom setting. The theoretical and methodological basis is a pragmatic view of knowledge and learning, resulting in a mixed methodology approach. This research aims at getting insights that could inform teachers in the CS classroom in making appropriate didactical decisions, both at university level and in upper secondary school. Another more general aim is to understand the reasons for why hands-on is beneficial for learning.