Comparing Novice Programmers Performance with Block-based, Text-based, and Both Notations: A Study from Two Countries.

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Title: Comparing Novice Programmers Performance with Block-based, Text-based, and Both Notations: A Study from Two Countries.
Authors: Kosar, Tomaž1 srdja@fon.bg.ac.rs, Bjeladinović, Srđa2 bjeladinovic@fon.bg.ac.rs, Ostojić, Dragana1, Škembarević, Milica S.2 milica.skembarevic@fon.bg.ac.rs, Leber, Žiga1, Jejić, Olga A.2 olga.jejic@fon.bg.ac.rs, Moravec, Matej1, Furtula, Filip2 filip.furtula@fon.bg.ac.rs, Ljubisavljević, Miloš D.2 milos.ljubisavljevic@fon.bg.ac.rs, Luković, Ivan S.2 ivan.lukovic@fon.bg.ac.rs, Mernik, Marjan1, Črepinšek, Matej1
Source: Computer Science & Information Systems. Jan2026, Vol. 23 Issue 1, p33-59. 27p.
Subjects: Computer programming education, Python programming language, Computer programming, Computer programmers, Teaching methods, Syntax in programming languages
Abstract: Teaching programming presents numerous challenges, one of which is selecting the most effective notation to introduce programming concepts to beginners. This study explores different notation approaches for learning fundamental programming concepts, with the objective of assessing how notation choice influences beginners' performance. To investigate this, we conducted a controlled experiment during short-term visits aimed at promoting programming in primary schools. Our multinational study divided participants into three groups: one using blockbased notation (Poligot), one using text-based notation (Python), and one using both simultaneously (Poliglot). After completing a training session, the participants engaged in practical programming tasks to assess their performance in Python or the multiple-representation environment Poliglot. The results indicate that the choice of notation did not impact the performance of the participants significantly, as no statistically significant differences were found between the three groups. These findings were consistent across two different countries. Our study suggests that educators can use different notations (Python, Poliglot, or a combination) confidently when introducing programming to beginners. However, the performance results may improve when training sessions are extended over a longer period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Computer Science & Information Systems is the property of ComSIS Consortium and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: Comparing Novice Programmers Performance with Block-based, Text-based, and Both Notations: A Study from Two Countries.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Kosar%2C+Tomaž%22">Kosar, Tomaž</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo><i> srdja@fon.bg.ac.rs</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Bjeladinović%2C+Srđa%22">Bjeladinović, Srđa</searchLink><relatesTo>2</relatesTo><i> bjeladinovic@fon.bg.ac.rs</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Ostojić%2C+Dragana%22">Ostojić, Dragana</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Škembarević%2C+Milica+S%2E%22">Škembarević, Milica S.</searchLink><relatesTo>2</relatesTo><i> milica.skembarevic@fon.bg.ac.rs</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Leber%2C+Žiga%22">Leber, Žiga</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Jejić%2C+Olga+A%2E%22">Jejić, Olga A.</searchLink><relatesTo>2</relatesTo><i> olga.jejic@fon.bg.ac.rs</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Moravec%2C+Matej%22">Moravec, Matej</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Furtula%2C+Filip%22">Furtula, Filip</searchLink><relatesTo>2</relatesTo><i> filip.furtula@fon.bg.ac.rs</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Ljubisavljević%2C+Miloš+D%2E%22">Ljubisavljević, Miloš D.</searchLink><relatesTo>2</relatesTo><i> milos.ljubisavljevic@fon.bg.ac.rs</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Luković%2C+Ivan+S%2E%22">Luković, Ivan S.</searchLink><relatesTo>2</relatesTo><i> ivan.lukovic@fon.bg.ac.rs</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Mernik%2C+Marjan%22">Mernik, Marjan</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Črepinšek%2C+Matej%22">Črepinšek, Matej</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Computer+Science+%26+Information+Systems%22">Computer Science & Information Systems</searchLink>. Jan2026, Vol. 23 Issue 1, p33-59. 27p.
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  Data: Teaching programming presents numerous challenges, one of which is selecting the most effective notation to introduce programming concepts to beginners. This study explores different notation approaches for learning fundamental programming concepts, with the objective of assessing how notation choice influences beginners' performance. To investigate this, we conducted a controlled experiment during short-term visits aimed at promoting programming in primary schools. Our multinational study divided participants into three groups: one using blockbased notation (Poligot), one using text-based notation (Python), and one using both simultaneously (Poliglot). After completing a training session, the participants engaged in practical programming tasks to assess their performance in Python or the multiple-representation environment Poliglot. The results indicate that the choice of notation did not impact the performance of the participants significantly, as no statistically significant differences were found between the three groups. These findings were consistent across two different countries. Our study suggests that educators can use different notations (Python, Poliglot, or a combination) confidently when introducing programming to beginners. However, the performance results may improve when training sessions are extended over a longer period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Computer Science & Information Systems is the property of ComSIS Consortium and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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