O. Pearl Brereton

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About

O. Pearl Brereton is a researcher whose work sits at the intersection of computer science education and evidence-based research methodology. Best known for her systematic literature reviews on programming pedagogy, Brereton has made meaningful contributions to understanding how novice learners can be better supported in acquiring programming skills — one of the most persistently challenging areas in computing education. Her most recognized work investigates the effectiveness of using robots as a teaching tool for novice programmers, addressing a well-documented problem: introductory programming courses frequently fail to inspire genuine student understanding, are hampered by negative stereotypes surrounding the discipline, and struggle to engage learners with its inherently complex nature. By applying rigorous systematic review methodology to synthesize existing research, Brereton has helped establish an evidence base for educators seeking innovative instructional approaches. This work has accumulated over 90 citations across related publications, reflecting its sustained relevance to both researchers and practitioners in computing education. Brereton's research is particularly valuable for curriculum designers, instructors, and education researchers looking to move beyond anecdotal teaching strategies toward empirically grounded solutions — making her contributions an important touchstone for anyone working to improve how programming is taught at the introductory level.