Motivating Adult Learners by Introducing Programming Concepts with Scratch

Abstract

Block-based programming languages like Scratch are popular for introducing children to programming. As programming is becoming an increasingly desired skill in almost every working environment, a growing number of adults are seeking to learn basic programming skills. Unlike children, adults often immediately start with a text-based language like Python or Java. This raises the question of whether there is an opportunity to improve adult programming education using block-based programming. In order to investigate this question, we conducted a study in the environment of a beginner's Python programming class for non-computer science university students and staff, into which we integrated an initial Scratch exercise. While the additional exercise had no significant effect on the participants' abilities, we do see a positive effect on their self-perception and motivation to continue learning programming.