JJSTE v39n2 - Research on the Cause and Effect Relationship between Factors Related to Improving Students' Computer Program Design Ability in the Realm of Information Basics

Abstract:

Research on the Cause and Effect Relationship between Factors Related to Improving Students' Computer Program Design Ability in the Realm of Information Basics.
Jun MORIYAMA, Jyoichi KIRITA

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cause and effect relationship between factors which influence the improvement of students' ability to program computers. Three tests were administered to 118 male and female 9th grade students who were learning about computer programming. These tests were: an achievement test ( surface layer factor), the programming thinking process self-awareness measurement (Moriyama, Adachi, Kirita 1996) (middle layer factor), and the KYODAI NX 9-15 intelligence test (deep layer factor). Using multiple regression analysis and path analysis, the hypothesis that intelligence and self-awareness in the thinking process would positively influence the students' ability to program computers was supported. The following conclusions were reached: 1. The improvement of the surface layer programming ability was influenced by both the deep layer intelligence standard and the middle layer self-awareness in the thinking process. 2. Improvement in programming correction and inspection ability requires an accumulation of debugging learning experiences. 3. In the thinking processes related to understanding problems and designing programming, intelligence factors required of learners are different. It was found that the former had a stronger relationship with the spatial factor and the latter with the linguistic factor.

Key words : Fundamental of Informational Science and Technology, Computer programming ability, Junior High School Students, Causal Relationship, Path Analysis