Learning a First Programming Language with LLM Tutor

Keywords:
Large Language Models, Chatbots, Secondary Education, Programming Languages, Artificial Intelligence

Abstract:
The paper presents the use of Large Language Models (LLM) and Chatbots as tutors when students need to learn novel concepts related to programming. Traditional methods of teaching and learning new programming concepts involve the students and teachers exploring one idea at a time – sequence, selection, and iteration – followed by more complex concepts. Traditional methods include using textbooks, computers, presentations, etc., and the teacher has the central role in the classroom. LLMs can help make complex topics more accessible for teachers to teach and for students to explore. Passive lectures and frontal teaching methods are replaced by the interactive use of LLM/chatbots, where the teacher has a central role in checking the information produced by the LLM/chatbot and is the key mediator between students and the LLM. The study was conducted with 30 students (n=30) in two groups. One group used LLM/chatbot as the core resource for first-time learning the programming language (n=15), while the second group used standard teaching and learning methods (n=15). The results show a significant improvement for first-time learning the programming language with the help of LLM – students showed better results in the assessment, besides being happier with the experience and the learning process. The study also demonstrates potential problems with this method, such as time, resources, accessibility issues, and initial preparation.

CITATION:

IEEE format

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M. Vukojičić, I. Korica, “Learning a First Programming Language with LLM Tutor,” in Sinteza 2025 - International Scientific Conference on Information Technology, Computer Science, and Data Science, Belgrade, Singidunum University, Serbia, 2025, pp. 331-336. doi:10.15308/Sinteza-2025-331-336

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Vukojičić, M., Korica, I. (2025). Learning a First Programming Language with LLM Tutor. Paper presented at Sinteza 2025 - International Scientific Conference on Information Technology, Computer Science, and Data Science. doi:10.15308/Sinteza-2025-331-336

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