Value of Explicit Instruction in Teaching Computer Programming to Post-graduate Students: The Kirkpatrick Training Evaluation Model

The effectiveness of ways of teaching in various disciplines including Computer Science (CS) programming continues to be a debatable issue. In this study, we followed the Kirkpatrick training evaluation model to better understand how Explicit Instruction (EI) interventions in teaching computer programming to post-graduate CS students can be evaluated. This understanding can be fundamental in informing how improvements can be made in the future teaching of computer programming to create a better sense of quality and robustness. The aim of this study was threefold. Firstly, to provide an overview of the Kirkpatrick model. Secondly, to relate the four levels of this model to the teaching of computer programming. Thirdly, to evaluate the use of EI interventions as a teaching approach through the model. This study followed an integrated methodological approach where data was collected through asking questions (individual semi-structured interviews). Thematic analysis of the collected data revealed that our participants found a lot of value from the EI interventions, and hence appreciate them. Overall, the findings of this study are consistent with those of many researchers that EI is one of the effective teaching and learning strategies, not only in other disciplines, but in computer programming as well.