Kiekebusch, BerndNghipangelwa, Aina Tulimekondjo2013-08-152013-08-152010Kiekebusch, B. (2010). Why tertiary students largely fail beginning computer programming courses at the NUST: Different perceptions, common recommendations. Nawa Journal of Communication, 4(1), 111-128.1993-3835http://hdl.handle.net/10628/395Results for beginning computer-programming courses at the NUST show high failure rates. This study explores perceived reasons by lecturers and students, in particular with regard to the impact of the chosen first programming language. Based on pilot studies under similar circumstances documented elsewhere, the authors recommend that the computer language be adapted to fit the students' capacities rather than the industry-desired final outcome. Based on the background of beginner students at the NUST it is suggested to use LOGO in the first semester and continue afterwards with industrial-strength languages.enComputer programming - Study and teachingNUST - Study and teachingArticle