This document discusses the use of pair programming in computer science education. It proposes using pair programming throughout a first year programming course, with students working in pairs during classwork and completing assignments. It is believed that pair programming can improve students' understanding of programming concepts, performance on assessments, and confidence in the subject. Key factors that may influence the effectiveness of pair programming include the skill levels and personalities of students, as well as their learning styles and gender. References are provided on previous studies that have found benefits of pair programming in higher education contexts, such as improved student retention, confidence, and program quality.

1. Software
Industry
Performance Pair Productivity
Confidence Programming Quality
CSci Educ
Pair programming for improved
student performance and
confidence in formal assessment

2. Ian McChesney
January 2013
Software
Industry
Performance Pair Productivity
Confidence Programming Quality
CSci Educ
School of Computing and
Mathematics

3. Shared
ownership
Role
Focus
switching
Pair
Programming
Controller
Action -
-
Reflection
Observer

4. Shared
ownership
Role
Focus
switching
Pair
Programming
Controller
Action -
-
Reflection
Observer

5. Shared
ownership
Role
Focus
switching
Pair
Programming
Controller
Action -
-
Reflection
Observer

6. Shared
ownership
Role
Focus
switching
Pair
Programming
Controller
Action -
-
Reflection
Observer

7. Shared
ownership
Role
Focus
switching
Pair
Programming
Controller
Action -
-
Reflection
Observer

8. Pair Programming in CSE can improve
Understanding
Confidence
Performance
Hanks et al, 2011
8

9. Key Factors in Pair Programming in CSE
Skill level
Effects of Personality
Self esteem
Gender
Learning Style
Saleh et al, 2011
9

10. Year 1 Programming
Conceptual
Motivation
Challenging
Not
Incremental "It's hard!"
expecting it
10

11. 11
Year 1 Programming (20 credits)
CW4
Gp B
Gp A
CW3
CW2
CW1

12. CW1
Year 1 Programming (20 credits)
PP practice
S1 w5
2xprograms S1 w9
CW2
(I) CW3
S1 w11
2xprograms S2 w5
CW4
(I + PP) 2xprograms S2 w12
(I + PP) 1xprogram
(I)
Gp A
Gp B
12

15. Work in progress

16. Pair Prog
Weekly Tests CW1 CW2
CW4 CW3
Module

19. Time
Teamwork Responsibility
Management
Peer
Negotiation
learning
Structured Pair Activity
19

20. Hanks,B., Fitzgerald,S., McCauley,R., Murphy,L. and Zander,C.
(2011), "Pair programming in education: a literature
review", Computer Science Education, vol.21, no.2, pp135-173.
Salleh,N.; Mendes,E.; Grundy,J.; (2011) "Empirical Studies of Pair
Programming for CS/SE Teaching in Higher Education: A
Systematic Literature Review," Software Engineering, IEEE
Transactions, vol.37, no.4, pp509-525.
McDowell,C., Werner,L., Bullock,H. and Fernald,J. (2006). "Pair
programming improves student retention, confidence, and
program quality". Communications of the ACM, vol.49, no.8, pp90-
95.