The Impact of the English Language on the Academic Performance of Non-Native English-Speaking Students in CS1 Courses

The challenges that non-native English-speaking (NNES) students face in English-based programming courses have been mentioned in several studies. Many of these studies considered proficiency in English a principal factor contributing to overall student performance, but very few considered the impact of other English-related factors. Additionally, few of them were focused on CS1 courses where students have their first formal experience with programming. The main focus of this research is to investigate the impact of three English-related factors on the academic performance of NNES students in CS1 courses. These factors include English proficiency, knowledge of computer terminology, and foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA). This study also explores students' perspectives on the difficulties they face in CS1 courses. Finally, the effect of an online learning activity on students' knowledge of computer terminology was investigated. This activity was designed to improve students' knowledge of and confidence in computer terminology. This research applies the multiple-case study methodology including CS1 students from two universities in different NNES countries for more generalisable results. Over three academic years, more than 300 students from two language backgrounds participated in this study. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using different research instruments including a standard English test, computer terminology test, adjusted FLCA scale and other surveys. Finally, the online learning activity was evaluated using a quasi-experimental approach. The investigations within this study have identified some interesting correlations. Students' knowledge of computer terminology was found to have a significant influence on their academic performance in CS1 courses. English proficiency was also noted to have a low but significant correlation to academic performance in the same courses. A low negative correlation was identified between FLCA level and academic performance, but it was only significant in one of the case studies. Based on the influence of computer terminology knowledge, an online managed and peer-reviewed translation activity was developed to help NNES students improve their knowledge of such terminology. Students who participated in this activity were found to perform on average 8\% better on the computer terminology test than students in the same class from previous academic years in the same course where the activity was unavailable. Exploring the students' perspectives highlighted the main difficulties they face in CS1 courses regarding using English as a medium of instruction (EMI) and studying English-based programming languages. Asking and answering questions in English, understanding programming concepts when explained in English, and understanding computer terminology were found to be the main challenges faced by NNES students in EMI CS1 classes. Regarding English-based languages and tools, dealing with error messages, using the English interface of the coding software, and understanding keywords represent the top challenges. Finally, the majority of the students expressed their desire to use a combination of English and their native language in CS1 courses. This research is the first to consider an in-depth investigation of the impact of English on the academic performance of NNES students in EMI CS1 courses. This research has several contributions including the large-scale literature review, the development and validation of the computer terminology test and word list for CS1 courses and the development of an online learning activity to improve students' knowledge of computer terminology. It also investigated and presented the correlation between the students' academic performance in CS1 courses and different English-related factors. NNES students' perspectives on studying CS1 through the EMI and studying English-based programming languages were included in this thesis.