Experimenting with Pair Programming in an Introductory Programming Course

This paper describes how pair programming is conducted in the collaborative learning of an introductory programming course at University Technology of MARA (UiTM), aimed at increasing students motivation and confidence. The paper begins by defining the term pair programming and discussing the rationale for bringing industry s pair programming into the classroom, as supported strongly by findings from numerous research. The mechanism for implementation and certain issues that might compromise the effectiveness of the pairing are also discussed. Our findings show that pairing not only does not compromise students learning but that it enhances students enjoyment, confidence and quality of programs. Thus, suggesting that pair programming is an effective pedagogical tool for teaching any programming course.