A Statistical Analysis of the Effectiveness of Learning Programming

through Modules versus Self-Study Across Different Programming

Group IV
 INTRODUCTION
While a college degree, especially from prestigious institutions like MIT or Stanford, is often

seen as a key to opening doors in the tech industry, many aspiring programmers also opt

(Optional Practical Training) for alternative learning paths, such as self-study or boot camps.

Traditional computer science programs cover essential topics such as data structures and

algorithms, which can give graduates a competitive edge in interviews. However, with the rise of

self-learning platforms, the question arises. How effective is self-study at learning programming

languages compared to formal, structured education?

Self-studying computer programming languages can be challenging, as there's a risk of learning

incorrect methods or concepts. Based on the website I read, there are a lot of ways to learn these

programming languages, some say that learning software engineering first and applying these

concepts makes you better in a programming language but that is only an opinion. Because

computer programming as a course requires cognitive and meta-cognitive abilities. It requires the

apprentice to understand the syntax and semantics of a selected Programming Language and

apply their creativity, by using it to solve problems.

There’s a lot of consideration of why this phenomenon happens in schools, some students choose

this course because they don’t have any option, and the school system is lacking in something

that we need to fix. Poor value for education, Opportunity cost on parents, Poor infrastructure,

inadequate efficiency and quality, financial setbacks, equity, and gender issues.

Learning styles and performance assessments have been evolving with time. Traditional teaching

strategies put higher educational institutions in a tight spot to engage students' interests and

improve performance. Information technology (IT) has become a key driver of global economic
growth, especially for sustainable education. Students must cultivate computational thinking by

learning computer programming languages to meet the need for IT development. The capability

of computer programming language is one of the basics for IT development. However, students

often have fears and difficulties in learning a computer programming language. Performance in

learning computer programming language logic is studied in this research. The scores of

midterms and final examinations are used to evaluate the improvement of students' learning

performances. The sustainability of the development of computer programming language will be

a future issue.

The four important aspects of learning are learner-centered, knowledge-centered, assessment-

centered, and community-centered. “Assessment-centered” could be viewed as the central part of

the learning process. If learners and teachers underestimate the assessment, there will be a

considerable gap between instruction and learning.

By contrast, traditional assessment techniques and teacher–student relationship put enormous

pressure on students to such an extent that they lose enthusiasm for learning. On the other hand,

if instructors use peer review as feedback, it will make teacher–student relationship more

productive. The problem in the past was the influence by Asian cultural background because

many problems and obstacles in learning were caused from learner's own social pressure.

Instruction nowadays should change to student-centered.

The research object of this study is college freshman learners of information science. Whether

they are beginners or have background knowledge of the course in high school is taken into

account. They were divided into experimental groups to teach by peer review. The self-made

results were reported during the semester examination. Peers and teachers are allowed to grade;
the control group uses traditional assessment to teach, and test papers are distributed during the

semester examinations, so that students can answer and test based on the test questions, and then

the teachers review the grades.

The literature review of this study focuses on difficulties in learning programming logic,

equation programming, introduction to interactive instruction platforms, and further reading.

Information education is an integral part of modern higher education. It is worth mentioning that

this form of education is not to spoon-feed students with programming syntax but to teach them

how to think like a programmer and develop creative thinking to solve problems

Modular Learning

Key Features of Modular Learning

Modular learning is characterized by several key features that distinguish it from traditional

classroom-based education:

•Self-contained Units: Modules are self-contained learning units that cover a specific topic or

skill. This compartmentalization allows for focused study and clear learning objectives.

•Flexibility: Learners have the flexibility to choose the sequence in which they study modules,

enabling personalized learning paths based on individual needs and preferences.

•Adaptive Learning: Modular learning can be adaptive, with learners progressing to more

advanced modules based on their mastery of prerequisite concepts.

update and customize learning materials.

•Assessment: Assessments are often integrated into each module to evaluate learner

understanding and mastery of the content.

•Interactivity: Modular learning can incorporate various interactive elements such as quizzes,

simulations, and multimedia resources to enhance engagement and retention.

Benefits of Modular Learning

Modular learning offers several benefits for both educators and learners:

•Customization: Learners can tailor their learning experience by selecting modules that align

with their interests, goals, and learning styles.

•Self-paced Learning: Modular learning allows learners to progress at their own pace, providing

opportunities for remediation and extension as needed.

•Enhanced Retention: Breaking down complex topics into smaller modules can improve

retention and understanding by focusing on one concept at a time.

•Accessibility: Modular learning can be delivered online, making education more accessible to

learners who may not have access to traditional classroom settings.

•Scalability: Institutions can scale their educational offerings more effectively by modularizing

courses and programs, making it easier to update content and adapt to changing needs.
•Engagement: Interactive elements in modular learning can enhance learner engagement and

motivation, leading to a more immersive learning experience.

Implementation of Modular Learning

Implementing modular learning effectively requires careful planning and design to ensure a

seamless learning experience for students. Here are some key considerations for implementing

modular learning:

•Curriculum Design: Designing modular courses involves breaking down the curriculum into

logical units that align with learning objectives and outcomes.

•Sequencing: Determine the sequence in which modules should be studied to ensure a cohesive

learning progression and build on prior knowledge.

•Assessment: Develop assessments that align with module objectives and provide feedback to

learners on their progress and understanding.

•Resources: Ensure that each module has the necessary resources, including readings, videos,

and interactive tools, to support learning objectives.

•Technology: Utilize learning management systems and online platforms to deliver modular

content and track learner progress efficiently.

hours to assist learners as they engage with modular content.

Examples of Modular Learning

Modular learning is widely used across various educational settings and disciplines. Here are

some examples of how modular learning is implemented:

•Language Learning: Language learning apps often use modular lessons to teach vocabulary,

grammar, and conversation skills in a structured and sequential manner.

•Professional Development: Online courses for professional development often feature modular

content that allows learners to focus on specific skills or topics relevant to their careers.

•STEM Education: Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs

frequently use modular learning to teach complex concepts in a step-by-step approach.

•Corporate Training: Many organizations use modular training programs to deliver employee

training on topics such as compliance, safety, and leadership development.

•Higher Education: Universities and colleges are increasingly adopting modular learning

approaches to offer flexible and personalized learning experiences for students.

Self-Study Learning

Exploring self-paced learning

Self-paced learning offers a number of benefits, such as:

Flexibility: Individuals can choose when and where to study, accommodating varying schedules

and learning styles.

Cost-effectiveness: Self-paced learning brings fewer expenses compared to traditional

instructor-led training. For example, there are no travel costs or venue fees.

Customization: Learners can personalize their learning journey. They can focus on topics that

are most relevant to their needs by skipping or fast-forwarding material they already know.

Accessibility: Self-paced courses can be accessed by a global audience, breaking down

geographical barriers to development.

Cons

But self-paced learning comes with its own set of challenges, like:

Lack of interaction: During self-paced learning, there’s a lack of real-time interaction with

instructors and peers. This can result in unanswered questions and feelings of isolation.

Self-motivation is required: Learners must be self-motivated and disciplined to stay on track

and complete the course. This can be very challenging for certain individuals.

Limited accountability: Without deadlines or structured training schedules, certain learners

might struggle to finish their course. Or find it difficult to achieve their learning goals.
Absence of knowledge sharing: Sharing ideas is essential for boosting knowledge. When people

learn together in real time, they can learn from each other’s questions and experiences.

When is self-paced learning best to apply?

Self-paced learning is perfect for individuals who require flexibility due to busy schedules, job

commitments, or family responsibilities. Plus, it’s ideal for those who work in remote or hybrid

environments. Also, self-paced learning can come in handy when the training content is well-

structured and can be easily divided into manageable modules and units. Last, but not least, it’s a

great fit for learners who are self-motivated and can hold themselves accountable for their

progress.

Let’s explore some examples where self-paced learning does wonders:

Online coding courses: Some platforms offer self-paced coding courses where learners can

practice coding skills at their own speed. This way, learners can focus on building specific

programming skills anytime, anywhere.

Health and wellness courses: Organizations that want to help employees improve their physical

and mental well-being can offer self-paced learning. These courses cover a wide range of topics,

and individuals learn how to prioritize their health on their own schedules.

Upskilling/reskilling: Learners can reskill themselves or get training that can help them grow

professionally. Even if it’s not necessarily tied to their current job tasks. For example, a
salesperson can get a marketing training course at their own pace. Then transition to the

organization’s marketing team when there’s an opportunity.

Conclusions:

Modular learning and self-study foster the growth of programming skills in entirely

different ways.

Where modular learning is concerned, one gets a kind of friendly road map that steadily and

gradually guides you through the learning. Ideal for the beginner or for some other type of

person who needs a little extra push. Starting from the fundamentals, it builds up slowly to

advanced concepts and not all at once-to make you feel at ease. Also, there are usually

evaluations and feedback along the way, which is great in terms of self-regulated learning and for

oneself to know progress. Modular learning suits people with an affinity for making a life plan, it

helps with motivation and keeping you focused.

In contrast, self-study encourages independence, self-discipline, and critical thinking, making it

ideal for advanced learners or individuals with specific interests in programming. Self-study

permits students to proceed at their own pace and focus on specifics of analysis for which they

have the greatest interest or need further illumination. However, this educational modality

requires double doses of insight and organization on the part of students since it cannot provide

the structure offered by modular learning.

model of blended learning, where ones structured in nature will be married to self-study for

flexibility. Such a hybrid model is able to address learning styles and combines left-scheme

instruction with exploration opportunities relevant to the students. In the process, interactive

activities like coding exercises, peer discussions, and real-life projects can deepen

comprehension as well as raise interest in finding applications of programming to real-world

problems.

Conclusively, both learning methods are effective, and the success of either is dependent on the

learner's objectives, motivation, and disposal toward the subject. Both should benefit from a

sense of balance in the spectrum of modular learning and self-study incorporated into their

programs during pieces of training.

Recommendations:

In order to place programming education into a context of appropriate functioning, a blended

learning model that merges all the benefits of modular learning and self-study is suggested. Thus,

this hybrid structure would cater to a wide range of learning modalities and consequently allow

each student the opportunity to cope with their studies and complete them according to different

possibility patterns. While a modular structure gives a clear path, a little self-study will allow the

student to deepen their exploration of the ideas that interest them or need extra attention. With

little more than a structured environment, the learner can deepen their own subject area.
1. Mix Flexibility with Structure: Though modular learning provides learners with a straight

route, self-study aspects encourage learners to research topics that interest them or where they

might need further focus. Learners develop an even deeper understanding and ownership of

learning over a topic with some control of their learning process.

2. Provide Support and Resources: When a student is inclined to be autonomous, he or she

must be provided with an overwhelming supply of resources, like online forums, challenges, and

tutorials for his or her study regimen to avoid making learning independent of and unproductive

toward summative examination. Formative assessment and feedback should still be done on a

periodic basis to assess progress and reinforce core skills.

3. Sustain Interaction with Case Studies: Focus on actual practical coding assignments,

commentary between peers, group work, and live market applications. These interactive

segments make the modular and self-study programs not just entertaining but also informative as

students really understand programming constructs in depth.

4. Fostering Self-Discipline and Motivation: Because independent study depends on high

motivation and patience, it becomes very essential to develop self-discipline, with a clear vision

of fixed milestones in the path of progress. Using tools like learning management systems (LMS)

for students will serve as useful means of motivating them to stay focused.

5. Make classroom and online for maximum flexibility: Try to offer options of combination

between in-person style of learning and online method. Since the students may choose which

particular option works best for them according to their learning style, they will still get the

necessary structure and resources.

flexible, life-like sort of learning. This enables the creation of a place where students can become

competent and self-reliant programmers.

REFRENCESL

https://www.efrontlearning.com/blog/2023/10/instructor-led-vs-self-paced-learning.html?

https://learningcorner.co/knowledge-base/glossary/modular-learning?

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.911417/full