Search

Research on Java Teaching Reform Empowered by Artificial Intelligence: A Mixed-Method Action Research Perspective

Author(s)

Bingqiang Huo1, Fang Li1,*, Sudan Xin1, Hongjun Wang2

Affiliation(s)

1Changji University, Changji, Xinjiang, China 2Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

Generative artificial intelligence technology is reshaping the foundational logic of programming education, necessitating a shift in Java instruction from "teaching students to write correct code" to "teaching students to design good programs." However, current domestic research on Java teaching reform generally faces three challenges: ambiguous attribution in teaching experiments, lack of discipline specificity in AI tools, and insufficient transferability of reform solutions. This paper adopts action research as its methodological framework, using two rounds of Java teaching practice (161 students) in the Software Engineering program at our university as the research site. Targeting four pain points specific to the Java discipline—object-oriented abstraction barriers, exception handling cognitive gaps, collection framework selection difficulties, and multithreading mental model biases—a spiral evolutionary reform pathway is constructed, and a "five-in-one" AI + Java education teaching reform framework with tiered implementation plans is proposed. Data from the two rounds show that experimental class students' final comprehensive scores improved significantly (M=80.3, SD=8.6 vs M=73.1, SD=11.2; Cohen's d=0.723, p<0.01), project excellence rates jumped from 31.2% to 67.8% (χ²=21.62, p<0.001), and adaptive programming ability test completion rates without AI assistance significantly exceeded the control class (78.5% vs 65.3%, d=0.88), indicating that AI catalyzes the growth of higher-order abilities through a "scaffolding" effect.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence Empowered Education; Java Teaching Reform; Action Research; Generative AI; Mixed Methods; Discipline Specificity; Transferability

References

[1] Avouris N, Sgarbas K, Caridakis G, et al. Teaching Introduction to Programming in the Times of AI: A Case Study of a Course Re-design. arXiv preprint arXiv:2508.06572, 2025. [2] Raihan N, Siddiq M L, Santos J C S, et al. Large Language Models in Computer Science Education: A Systematic Literature Review. arXiv preprint arXiv:2410.16349, 2024. [3] Ziegler A, Kalliamvakou E, Li X A, et al. Measuring GitHub Copilot's Impact on Productivity. Communications of the ACM, 2024, 67(3): 54-63. [4] Manna S, Sett N. Need of AI in Modern Education: In the Eyes of Explainable AI (xAI). arXiv preprint arXiv:2408.00025, 2024. [5] Mayr C M. Knowledge Markers: An AI-Agnostic Concept for the Design of Programming Courses. arXiv preprint arXiv:2604.06331, 2026. [6] Reihanian I, Hou Y, Chen Y, et al. A Review of Generative AI in Computer Science Education: Challenges and Opportunities in Accuracy, Authenticity, and Assessment. arXiv preprint arXiv:2507.11543, 2025. [7] Bassner P, Frankford E, Krusche S. Iris: An AI-Driven Virtual Tutor for Computer Science Education. arXiv preprint arXiv:2405.08008, 2024. [8] Chen Y J, Zhang Y H, et al. Intelligent Computing Systems: From Deep Learning to Large Models. 2nd ed. Beijing: China Machine Press, 2024. ISBN: 978-7-111-75595-1 [9] Wang J, Lan Y, Chen X. Exploring the Modular Integration of "AI + Architecture" Pedagogy in Undergraduate Design Education. arXiv preprint arXiv:2512.13730, 2025. [10]Bulut O, Beiting-Parrish M, Casabianca J M, et al. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Educational Measurement: Opportunities and Ethical Challenges. arXiv preprint arXiv:2406.18900, 2024. [11]Missawa T, Koizumi A, Tamura R, et al. Exploring Utilization of Generative AI for Research and Education in Data-Driven Materials Science. arXiv preprint arXiv:2504.08817, 2025. [12]Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China. Action Plan for Artificial Intelligence Innovation in Higher Education Institutions. Document No. Jiao Ji [2018] 3, April 2, 2018. [13]Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China. Education Informatization 2.0 Action Plan. Document No. Jiao Ji [2018] 6, April 13, 2018. [14]Zhang J P, Chen S P, Zhang J H. Ethical Issues and Governance Pathways of AI Applications in Education. e-Education Research, 2021, 42(3): 5-13. [15]Yu S Q, Wang Q. Analysis of the Collaborative Path Development of "AI + Teachers". e-Education Research, 2019, 40(4): 14-22. DOI: 10.13811/j.cnki.eer.2019.04.002 [16]Zhu Z T, Hu J. Exploring the Essence and Research Prospects of Education Digital Transformation. China Educational Technology, 2022(1): 13-22. [17]Liu S N Y, Yang Z K, Li Q. AI-Enabled Personalized Learning: Technical Approaches and Practical Pathways. China Educational Technology, 2021(1): 1-8. [18]Zhong S C, Tang Y W, Wang C H. Research on Human-Machine Collaborative Teaching Models in Smart Classrooms. e-Education Research, 2020, 41(11): 5-12. [19]Wu D, Wei X R, Lu C. Educational Reform and Development in the Era of Education Informatization 2.0. China Educational Technology, 2018(1): 25-31. [20]Song W, Liu L, Zhao H. Java Programming Course Teaching Reform and Practice. Computer Education, 2021(5): 142-146. [21]Wang Y Z, Zhang W. Exploration of Project-Driven Java Course Teaching Mode Reform. Software Guide, 2020, 19(8): 218-221. [22]Li M, Chen J, Wang L. Experimental Teaching Model for Java Programming. Research and Exploration in Laboratory, 2021, 40(6): 198-202. [23]Chen X M. Qualitative Research Methods and Social Science Research. Beijing: Educational Science Publishing House, 2000. [24]Huang R H, Zhou W, Du J, et al. Three Fundamental Computing Issues in Intelligent Education. Open Education Research, 2019, 25(5): 11-22. [25]Yang Z K, Wu D, Chen M. Emerging Technologies Facilitating the Reconstruction of the Education Ecosystem. China Educational Technology, 2019(2): 1-5. [26]Gu M Y. Educational Transformation in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. Peking University Education Review, 2023, 21(1): 2-12. [27]Yuan Z G. Digital Transformation in Education: What to Turn and How. Journal of East China Normal University (Educational Sciences), 2023, 41(6): 1-12. DOI: 10.16382/j.cnki.1000-5560.2023.03. 001.