Computer Terminology Test for Non-native English Speaking CS1 Students

Alaofi, Suad; Russell, Seán

doi:10.1145/3408877.3439593

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…The terminology on the test, by question order, includes binary, execution, loop, syntax, data type, iteration, debugging, initialization, variables, Boolean, keywords, identifier, control structure, array/list, integer, exit, algorithm, comma, counter, increment, numeric, compiler, interpreter, parentheses, processor, data structure, module, indentation, function and import/include (for the full test, see appendix A). The process of developing and building this test can be found in our previous work [2].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several studies have compiled lists of the most frequently occurring words in the CS discipline [2,7,37]. These lists are aimed at identifying the important words to aid the study of NNES students at different levels.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In our previous work, we generated a word list based specifically on textbooks and lecture notes for introductory programming classes, identifying the important words for CS1 students [2]. Based on the CS1 word list, we developed an English Computer Terminology Test (CTT).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Based on the CS1 word list, we developed an English Computer Terminology Test (CTT). The CTT is a multiple-choice test designed to evaluate CS1 students' level of knowledge in computer terminology [2]. The purpose of this test is to aid in the identification of students who need more support in English computer terminology and consequently improve their academic performance [1].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Validated Computer Terminology Test for Predicting Non-native English-speaking CS1 Students’ Academic Performance

Alaofi

Russell

2022

Proceedings of the 24th Australasian Computing Education Conference

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This research examines the validity and efficacy of an English computer terminology multiple-choice test. The test was developed to investigate the relationship between non-native English-speaking students' knowledge of computer terminology and their academic performance in CS1 courses. In this research, the Rasch model was used to find empirical evidence of test validity. Six aspects of construct validity were evaluated: content, substantive, structural, generalisability, external and consequential aspects. Based on analyses of 150 students' responses, the test shows an acceptable level of validity in all six aspects of construct validity. Moreover, the efficacy of using this test to predict the students' academic performance in CS1 courses was investigated. Statistical analysis of the data shows that the computer terminology test can predict approximately 50% of final exam performance in CS1 courses after controlling the impact of English proficiency. The aim of this research (along with other ongoing research) is to aid in the identification of non-native English-speaking students who require more specific language support. Additionally, the research will guide the development of resources and tools that can help these students.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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