Using learning styles in learning objects: a case study in a colombian public university

Abstract

Background: computer-programming courses aren’t easy to study. Some authors have studied the difficulties in learning programming to support developing learning materials for basic programming courses. In Colombia there is an approach to teaching programming using an active learning approach (Interactive Learning Objects – ILOs) as one of the components that reinforce their pedagogical model, by supporting the generation of high-level programming skills. Objective: we want to explore the possibilities of using Learning Styles and Team Learning to increase the learning levels of Computer Programming students. Methods: this study was applied outside of the classroom in order to encourage autonomous learning. To do this we’ll pick a sample and apply a series of comparative tests between research groups. Results: the objective was met by effectively showing that providing content based LS and team-based leaning can improve a student’s performance. The intervention group grades were better than those of the comparison group though they should be analyzed further to get a more accurate conclusion. Conclusion: This study will give us the chance to see whether the strategy can be applied to the Francisco de Paula Santander University students.