Investigando o impacto do ensino de programação via projeto de extensão para alunos de uma escola do ensino médio

Abstract

This article presents an investigation into the implementation of activities within an outreach project focused on teaching programming to high school students. It analyzes how programming classes influence students’ motivation to remain in school, as well as improvements in self-esteem and academic confidence. The initiative was developed by the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), in partnership with the Manoel Mano State Vocational School in Crateús/CE, where students are monitored as they participate in the Brazilian Informatics Olympiad (OBI). The methodology used to assess the project’s impact involved the application of Likert-scale questionnaires and interviews with teachers and coordinators, enabling both quantitative and qualitative analysis of the project’s effects. The results indicated significant progress in student development, with improvements in logic, thought organization, and problem-solving skills, along with increased interest in pursuing studies in the field of Computing. Educators’ reports reinforced these findings, highlighting positive changes in students’ attitudes toward learning. Based on the data analysis, it is concluded that programming education, combined with a practical and contextualized approach, can effectively contribute to students’ holistic development and strengthen educational policies aimed at school retention.