Why tertiary students largely fail beginning computer programming courses at the Polytechnic of Namibia: Different perceptions, common recommendations.
Bernd Kiekebusch, Aina Tulimekondjo Nghipangelwa · Ounongo Repository · 2010
Results for beginning computer-programming courses at the Polytechnic of Namibia show high failure rates. This study explores perceived reasons by lecturers and students, in particular with regard to the impact of the chosen first programming language. Based on pilot studies under similar circumstances documented elsewhere, the authors recommend that the computer language be adapted to fit the students' capacities rather than the industry-desired final outcome. Based on the background of beginner students at the Polytechnic of Namibia it is suggested to use LOGO in the first semester and continue afterwards with industrial-strength languages.