Learning Programming for Non-Native English-Speaking Students: Insight from Japanese StudentsGlobal
This program is tentative and subject to change.
For non-native English speakers, learning programming presents unique challenges, particularly in languages like Python, which heavily rely on English syntax and documentation. This study explores the challenges faced by non-native English-speaking Japanese university students enrolled in introductory Python programming courses. A survey was held to examined various aspects of their learning experience, including their programming proficiency, English fluency, use of translation tools, and the impact of bilingual resources on their learning.
Clustering analysis was employed to group the participants into three distinct clusters: beginners, intermediate learners, and advanced learners. Cluster 0 (beginners) had low programming experience and English fluency, relying heavily on non-English materials and translation tools. Cluster 1 (intermediate) demonstrated moderate programming skills but continued to depend on bilingual resources and translation aids. Cluster 2 (advanced) showed higher proficiency in both programming and English, though students in this group still encountered challenges with debugging and optimizing code performance. Our findings provides insight into the need for tailored instructional resources, especially for students who may require additional support in navigating English-based programming environments.