TITLE: "In the Beginning, I Couldn't Necessarily Do Anything With It": Links Between Compiler Error Messages and Sense of Belonging
SPEAKER: Maja Dornbusch
DATE: 7th November 2024
TIME: 15:00-16:00
ABSTRACT: 
Motivation and Objectives. Sense of belonging has been recognized as a construct that influences diversity, retention, and – to a lesser degree – learning outcomes in computer science classes. Prior studies on the construct of sense of belonging have shown that certain demographic groups, including but not limited to female students and first-generation academics, experience a low level of sense of belonging and consider it a barrier. On the other hand, previous research has also highlighted the importance of designing compiler error messages in a way that enhances their readability and, thus, improves effectiveness, particularly for novice programmers. In this study, we set out to investigate whether, and if so how, these two constructs interact.
 
Methods. We conducted a phenomenographic study to explore experiences with compiler error messages and the possible effects of such experiences. For this, we conducted and analyzed twelve interviews with undergraduate students, graduate students, and professionals.
 
Results. Our analysis of the data shows that the phenomenon under investigation occurs between two actors: the person and the compiler error message. In particular, the themes derived from the data describe the encounter of a person with a compiler error message, the response of the person to this encounter, and the effect of encountering and responding to a compiler error message on the person. Moreover, these mutual interactions can be moderated by the person’s experience and the characteristics of the cohort or group the person is part of.
 
Discussion. Interaction with compiler error messages is described as a dynamic process that can evoke both positive and negative emotions and, ultimately, can affect a person’s sense of belonging. While group dynamics were also found to moderate interactions with compiler error messages, dealing with a compiler error message was consistently described as a competence that evolves over time. In light of this, fostering a supportive group climate and explicitly addressing the development of such competences could help support learners with low incoming confidence and sense of belonging.
 
MAJA'S BIO:
Maja Dornbusch is currently completing a Master of Education in Computer Science, English and Educational Science at the University of Münster, with plans to pursue a Ph.D. afterwards. Last year, she completed her Bachelor's degree with a thesis exploring the link between compiler error messages and students' sense of belonging, developing an assessment tool that served as a pilot study for her first paper. Building on this foundation, she conducted an interview study, culminating in a publication co-authored with Jan Vahrenhold on compiler error messages and sense of belonging, presented at ICER 2024.
 

First published: 24 October 2024

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Speaker: Maja Dornbusch

Paper: https://doi.org/10.1145/3632620.3671105