Attributes of students engagement in fundamental programming learning

Learning programming requires intensive effort and time to be allocated by students. Teaching programming needs careful selection of different supportive pedagogical methods to help students progress. When the teaching does not meet students' expectations, frustration occurs. Programming is usually introduced to Information Technology students in their first year of study. Different types of new students exist - some are prepared for university studies and others struggle. Students' engagement affects students' success or failure rates in programming. Only engaged students can allocate time on doing programming related activities. Engaged students who come to class with positive outlook are more likely to achieve better. Frustration can hinder the process of learning and it can occur when teaching methods don't appeal to students or when students don't receive timely feedback on their programming errors. From the literature, learning strategy, collaboration, self efficacy, time availability, interest, support, scaffolding, availability of devices and resources and comfort level were identified as the leading attributes that affect engagement in programming. Several IT solutions exist these days that could help in proving a quality learning experience and improve engagement such as education management system, adaptive systems and intelligent tutoring systems.