Towards data-driven interventions: Leveraging learning analytics to support programming education for grade 10 learners in South African schools

• Published in: Journal of education (Durban) Vol. 2024; no. 97; pp. 221 - 242
• Main Authors: Tshidi, Mashite, Dewa, Alton
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of KwaZulu-Natal 30.01.2025; University of KwaZulu-Natal on behalf of the South African Education Research Association
• Subjects: data-driven interventions; Education & Educational Research; Education, Scientific Disciplines; Education, Special; forecasting model; Grade 10 learners; Learning analytics; Programming; Grade 10 learners; forecasting model; learning analytics; programming; data-driven interventions
• ISSN: 0259-479X; 2520-9868; 2520-9868
• DOI: 10.17159/2520-9868/i97a11

Programming is increasingly incorporated into school curricula worldwide to foster essential 21st century skills. However, many educational systems face challenges in integrating it effectively because of limited resources and support. In South Africa, a lack of tools further compounds these challenges, making it difficult for teachers to identify and address learners’ specific needs. In recognising these challenges, we aimed in this study to develop and validate a Learning Analytics (LA) model to identify challenging programming concepts for Grade 10 learners in South Africa. Using the LA five-step model, we employed Microsoft Power BI for its analytical, visualisation, and AI-driven forecasting capabilities to analyse historical examination data systematically. The resulting forecasting model identified five key areas in which learners struggle: conditional statements; problem conceptualisation/solution design; debugging/exception handling; abstraction/pattern recognition; and class/object differentiation. Our findings demonstrate the potential of LA-powered models to guide targeted, data-driven interventions, supporting improved learning outcomes, and engagement in programming for Grade 10 learners.