Managing Cognitive Load In Introductory Programming Courses: A Cognitive Aware Scaffolding Tool

Research on techniques for teaching computer programming to novice learners has suggested that introducing programming concepts and theories is extremely difficult because the learners have to assimilate syntactical methods of the programming language as well as their interface to the programming world. Computer programming for the novice requires the understanding of a variety of different areas such as logic and mathematical concepts, syntax, the language interface, algorithms, flowcharts, and pseudocode associated with programming theory, which can overwhelm the learner and increase levels of stress and frustration (cognitive load). The central theme of this research was to examine the effects of scaffolding tools on cognitive load levels as participants completed laboratory assignments within a Visual Basic for Applications programming course, and to compare final course grades in Phase I and Phase II of the research. Participants were asked to evaluate their cognitive load as they completed assignments throughout the course. Course grades were also collected because all students in Phase I of the research eventually received the scaffolding tool prior to the final exam. Phase I of this study showed that within the major groups of online and face-to-face learners, and the subgroups of treatment and control, some benefit (as determined by the statistical means) was obtained by the use of the scaffolding tool to reduce cognitive load and improve laboratory scores. In the second phase of this research the students did not receive the scaffolding tool. A comparison of Phase I and Phase II indicates that the Group with the Scaffolding Tool (Phase I) experienced lower levels of cognitive load and attained higher laboratory and course scores than did the Group without the Scaffolding Tool.