Novice computer programmers need to acquire a diverse set of skills to become proficient in the various areas of program development. This work investigates some of the cognitive processing demands of computer programming, and investigates the factors affecting success in learning the required skills. In the empirical research described, achievement on an introductory programming course was tested for possible correlation with individual learner characteristics, including learning style and background knowledge. The subjects of the research belonged to five different teaching groups, enabling...