Do map drawing styles of novice programmers predict success in programming? a multi-national, multi-institutional study

Abstract

In this paper, we present the results of one aspect of a multinational, multi-institutional study of computer programming students. Specifically, this paper reports on an exploration of relationships between novice programmers’ map-drawing styles (landmark, route or survey) and success in a first programming course at tertiary level. Relationships were found between map-drawing style and success of students in introductory programming courses, but there were mediating factors that resulted in some mixed findings between the countries in which data was collected. The results of this study identify some rich areas for further exploration, and suggests how this line of research might progress.