A Preliminary Investigation into Theory-Practice Barriers in Sino-New Zealand Undergraduate Computing Education

Fei Dai, Anthony Robins, Zhihao Peng, Wanni Huang, Chiu-Pih Tan, Tianzhen Chen

2025

Abstract

This paper investigates the barriers hindering the effective transition from theoretical knowledge to practical application in a Sino-New Zealand double-degree undergraduate computing programme. In this unique educational setting, students study at a campus in China but complete both Chinese and New Zealand courses taught jointly by lecturers from both countries. Through a questionnaire administered to these students, we identify critical obstacles such as insufficient foundational knowledge, language barriers, cultural and pedagogical differences, and difficulties adapting to distinct educational systems. Our analysis reveals that these barriers significantly affect students’ academic performance, engagement, and skill development. Based on the findings, we propose targeted interventions, including specialized bridging courses, enhanced language support, refined teaching methods, and improved resource allocation.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Dai F., Robins A., Peng Z., Huang W., Tan C. and Chen T. (2025). A Preliminary Investigation into Theory-Practice Barriers in Sino-New Zealand Undergraduate Computing Education. In Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 1: CSEDU; ISBN 978-989-758-746-7, SciTePress, pages 529-537. DOI: 10.5220/0013358900003932

in Bibtex Style

@conference{csedu25,
author={Fei Dai and Anthony Robins and Zhihao Peng and Wanni Huang and Chiu-Pih Tan and Tianzhen Chen},
title={A Preliminary Investigation into Theory-Practice Barriers in Sino-New Zealand Undergraduate Computing Education},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 1: CSEDU},
year={2025},
pages={529-537},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013358900003932},
isbn={978-989-758-746-7},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 1: CSEDU
TI - A Preliminary Investigation into Theory-Practice Barriers in Sino-New Zealand Undergraduate Computing Education
SN - 978-989-758-746-7
AU - Dai F.
AU - Robins A.
AU - Peng Z.
AU - Huang W.
AU - Tan C.
AU - Chen T.
PY - 2025
SP - 529
EP - 537
DO - 10.5220/0013358900003932
PB - SciTePress