Failure rates in introductory programming

TLDR

CS1 is widely regarded as a difficult course with high failure rates, yet evidence has been anecdotal. The study aims to report a global survey of CS1 failure rates and to initiate systematic data collection for reliable pass/fail statistics. The authors conducted a worldwide survey of institutions, detailing its design and collecting failure rate data. The survey yielded a low response rate, limiting firm conclusions about CS1 failure and pass rates.

Abstract

It is a common conception that CS1 is a very difficult course and that failure rates are high. However, until now there has only been anecdotal evidence for this claim. This article reports on a survey among institutions around the world regarding failure rates in introductory programming courses. The article describes the design of the survey and the results. The number of institutions answering the call for data was unfortunately rather low, so it is difficult to make firm conclusions. It is our hope that this article can be the starting point for a systematic collection of data in order to find solid proof of the actual failure and pass rates of CS1.