Teaching Strategies for Programming in Massive University Settings

The teaching of programming at the university level, specifically aimed at training computer professionals, is at a critical moment due to significant demand for education, leading to a notable increase in enrollment in computer science programs nationwide. The subject of Algorithms and Data Structures I, located in the first semester of the first year of the Bachelor of Information Systems at UNNE, for the 2023 academic year, incorporated an adaptation of pair programming as a teaching strategy to mitigate the challenges of mass education. As a result, it is highlighted that students have appreciated the methodology for its contribution to debate and exchange of ideas, having a study partner, and acquiring study habits. The teaching staff acknowledges that it has reduced the volume of exams to correct, favoring more detailed feedback on corrections, considered an important learning opportunity. Additionally, the methodology has helped resolve the issue of equipment availability for the experimental practice required by the subject. Students have indicated difficulties related to their working relationship with their peers, a situation that should be addressed by defining future consensus mechanisms between peers. The evaluation of academic performance shows that the peer programming approach has helped maintain the percentage of students who typically pass the subject, neutralizing to some extent the unfavorable impact that mass education has on academic outcomes.