The existing complexities of teaching and learning computer programming
are increased where students are diverse in their disciplinary backgrounds,
language skills, and cultures. Identifying opportunities for improvement and
applying theoretical and empirical evidence found in literature, this study
presents the Five C Framework ‒ Consistency, Collaboration, Cognition,
Conception, and Creativity ‒ that integrates constructivist and collaborative
learning theories in a student-centered teaching pedagogy. This framework
was found to be effective in postgraduate courses in introductory
programming over three consecutive terms. Analysis conducted using survey
and interviews indicates that use of the Five C Framework reduced negative
emotional issues, motivated students to become active learners, and
improved the overall performance. The Five C Framework may thus be seen
to provide a model for student-centered teaching pedagogy which helps to
minimise complexities for diverse student cohorts.