Direct Instruction versus Open Pedagogy in Teaching Programming
Teaching programming is about more than just writing code; it’s about learning how to think logically, solve problems, and be creative. When it comes to learning and teaching coding, there are two major approaches: direct instruction and open pedagogy. Each has its strengths, and knowing how they work can help both educators and students find what fits best for them.
Direct Instruction: Clear and Structured Learning
Direct instruction is a teacher-led approach that focuses on delivering information in a clear and structured way. According to Structural Learning (2021), this method cuts down on confusion by helping guide students through step by step and reinforcing concepts with practice.
How Direct Instruction Works:
- These lessons are carefully planned to introduce concepts in a logical order.
- These students get immediate feedback to correct mistakes early.
- Using quizzes and structured exercises to reinforce learning.
- Using clear goals helps learners stay on track.
Direct instruction is a great way to start for beginners. Learning to code means dealing with strict syntax rules, which can be hard without help. A structured lesson on writing a simple “Hello World” program ensures they understand the basics before diving into more advanced concepts like loops and conditionals.
What is the biggest advantage of direct instruction? It builds a strong foundation fast, by removing the guessing, students can figure out the basics and avoid common mistakes before moving onto more complicated challenges.
Open Pedagogy: Learning Through Exploration
Open pedagogy takes a more student-driven approach. Instead of just absorbing information, students will actively explore, experiment, and contribute to their own learning. Instead of being given all the information upfront, students are encouraged to discover solutions through exploration. As UBC Open (2021) said, this method encourages students to take ownership of their learning experience.
How Open Pedagogy Works:
- These students learn by working on real-world coding projects.
- Collaboration with peers helps strengthen problem-solving skills.
- Using open-ended assignments allows for experimentation and creativity.
- These learners develop independence and critical thinking skills.
Instead of simply following a tutorial, students might be asked to build a project from scratch, or experiment with different coding methods. It’s particularly effective in developing problem-solving skills, as students must think critically and troubleshoot on their own rather than relying solely on an instructor for answers. This open approach makes learning more engaging and encourages innovative thinking.
Which approach is better?
Both direct instruction and open pedagogy have their place in programming education.
- Direct instruction is great for beginners who need clear, structured learning to build confidence.
- Open pedagogy is better suited for more advanced learners who want to explore, collaborate, and apply what they’ve learned in creative ways.
Many successful programming courses start with direct instruction to lay a strong foundation and then move towards open pedagogy as students progress and gain more confidence. By understanding these two approaches, one can create more effective and engaging learning experiences, helping students develop not just coding skills, but also the ability to think critically and solve real-world problems.
References
Structural Learning. (2021). Direct instruction: A teacher’s guide. Structural Learning. Retrieved from https://www.structural-learning.com/post/direct-instruction-a-teachers-guide
Tremblay, R. Docebo. (2023) What is direct learning?. Docebo. Retrieved from https://www.docebo.com/learning-network/blog/direct-learning/
UBC Open. (2021). Defining open pedagogy. University of British Columbia. Retrieved from https://pose.open.ubc.ca/open-education/open-pedagogy/defining-open-pedagogy/
