Understanding Student Behaviour in Code Review Activities of Programming Courses

Peer code review has become an integral component of the software development process, as it not only ensures the maintenance of code quality but also promotes essential collaborative development practices, positioning it as a critical skill for developers. Numerous studies have integrated peer code review into programming courses, highlighting its dual benefits in improving both the quality of code and collaborative skills among students. However, these approaches often lack effective methods for understanding student behavior during the code review process. Lacking insight into how students engage with peer code reviews hinders the ability to effectively assess the quality of their participation. To address this issue, this research proposes a student engagement graph designed to provide a clearer understanding of student behavior during peer code review activity. The proposed approach involves tracking student participation across review rounds, assessing the timeliness of their responses, and visualizing the length and quality of the feedback provided. This visualization assists instructors in monitoring review activities, allowing them to identify patterns of behavior and implement timely interventions when needed.