REVIEW ON PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE LEARNING MODELS AND INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACHES: CURRENT TRENDS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Programming has become a fundamental subject in the academic curriculum, but the learning process presents unique challenges. It requires not only systematic study and dedication but also the application of logical thinking and problem-solving skills in practical contexts. This complexity makes programming particularly difficult for beginners, who often face challenges in understanding foundational concepts like sequencing, decision-making, and looping. As a result, various pedagogical methods have evolved to address the difficulty in programming learning. To better understand the recent developments in programming educational approaches, we aim to provide a detailed review of learning models and instructional approaches in programming learning. Following this, we explore the cognitive factors influencing the learner and the essential aspects of the learner’s learning style and preferences in programming education. Finally, we conclude the review by discussing how these techniques can be combined to formulate future pedagogical approaches in programming instruction. Consequently, this review proposes integrating the learning style model with adaptive e-learning environments (ALE) in a blended learning approach as a better solution to address the hurdles of programming learning difficulty. Given this, the review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the programming learning environments, strategies, instructional approaches, cognitive factors, and learning styles leveraged in programming education, which future researchers can utilize.