Exploring Bimodality in Introductory Computer Science Performance Distributions
Ram B Basnet 1, Lori K Payne 1, Tenzin Doleck 2 * , David John Lemay 2, Paul Bazelais 2
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1 Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, Colorado, USA2 McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, CANADA* Corresponding Author

Abstract

This study examines student performance distributions evidence bimodality, or whether there are two distinct populations in three introductory computer science courses grades at a four-year southwestern university in the United States for the period 2014-2017. Results suggest that computer science course grades are not bimodal. These findings counter the double hump assertion and suggest that proper course sequencing can address the needs of students with varying levels of prior knowledge and obviate the double-hump phenomenon. Studying performance helps to improve delivery of introductory computer science courses by ensuring that courses are aligned with student needs and address preconceptions and prior knowledge and experience.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed, 2018, Volume 14, Issue 10, Article No: em1591

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/93190

Publication date: 11 Jul 2018

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Article Downloads: 1124

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