Bridging the gap through co-creation: Learning programming in a mixed backgrounds class

We conducted action research on a programming class of 66 MSc students following a content co-creation approach. This allowed students to create problems and write programs to solve them, enhancing their understanding and programming skills. Pre-tests, post-tests, and a survey assessed their knowledge and opinions. Post-test scores on 28 consenting participants showed significant improvement and enhanced comprehension irrespective of their background. Positive feedback highlighted improvements in critical thinking, motivation, and a sense of belonging. The results evidence a positive impact of content co-creation, proving it to be an inclusive approach to develop all students’ coding skills.