Treffer: Conceptual Model for Constructing Formal Peer Coding Groups for Programming Courses.

Grass root programming is an essential skill that should be encouraged in Computer and Engineering as it is the driving force of computing. Effective teaching and understanding of computer programming requires practical sessions which can be enhanced through peer and collaborative learning. It is difficult to identify and construct peer coding groups that will re-teach and improve weaker students during practical programming classes especially when the class size is large. In this work, a conceptual model for identifying and constructing peer coding groups for practical programming classes is proposed. The model employs K-Means and Semi-Latin Square properties to cluster weak and strong-performing students based on their previous performance scores and construct formal and equitable peer coding groups for improved learning. The model was tested using the performance scores of students in a Southeast federal university in Nigeria on Computer programming application courses for 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 sessions. A sample of228 and 194 students were selected for the two sessions respectively. Results recorded a significant difference in the mean score of students who used the model over the ones who did not use the model at 0413.513 - 3.34, p < 0.001 ). The average project score for students that used the model was 2.47 per cent more than those that did not use the model. An implementation guideline for the model was also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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