Work

An Embodied Sense of Programming: An Anti-Ableist Framework for the Analysis of Learners’ Developing Senses of Programming

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article proposes the Critical Embodied Sense framework, which challenges traditional, ableist assumptions in programming education that privilege abstract, decontextualised learning experiences over embodied engagement. The framework is designed to enable researchers to analyse learners’ developing senses of programming concepts through an anti-ableist lens. It draws upon Vygotsky’s cultural-historical theory, contemporary research from the embodied cognition field and perspectives from critical theory. We illustrate the application of the framework using a study which investigated the developing senses of visually impaired learners working with a tangible programming language. Through the application of the framework to this study we demonstrate the integral role that tools, emotions and affect play in shaping learners’ senses of programming concepts. We finish by discussing potential wider applications of the framework which include researching the development of a sense of self as a programmer in under-represented groups and guiding the design of inclusive computing learning environments.

Source: ACM Transactions on Computing Education

DOI: 10.1145/3769860

Authors: Alex Hadwen-Bennett, Lulu Healy, Sue Sentance

Institutions: King's College London, University of Cambridge

Language: English

Topic: Teaching and Learning Programming

Subfield: Computer Science Applications

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: Microsoft Research, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council