This study was designed to compare learning problem-solving methods versus non problem-solving activity (word-processing) on subsequent learning to program in the BASIC language. It also examined a method to provide students with increased knowledge and skills to enable them to learn how to program;A pretest-posttest control group design was used in this experiment with random assignment of subjects to one of three groups. Experiment groups one (deduction group) and two (induction group) first received the pretest and learning problem-solving methods; then group one received deduction instruction while group two received induction instruction, both followed by learning BASIC language programming instruction, taking midterm test one and two, and then the post-test. The control group first received the pretest and wordprocessing instruction, followed by learning BASIC language programming instruction and taking midterm test one and two, and then the post-test;The results indicated that when female students first study problem-solving methods (induction and deduction) they experience a significant increase in BASIC language programming achievement. Likewise, male students who first learn problem solving (induction) experience a significant increase in BASIC language program achievement;The study also showed that female students who first receive problem-solving instruction in induction subsequently learn BASIC language programming significantly better than female students who first receive problem-solving instruction in deduction and subsequently learn BASIC language programming;Further evidence supports that female students in group one and two on BASIC language programming in design and understanding performed significantly better than female students in the control group. In addition, male students who first learn problem solving (induction) perform significantly better than males who first receive non-problem solving instruction prior to learning BASIC language programming in design and understanding;From this study, the researcher concluded the following: (1) students who first learn problem-solving methods, rather than receiving non problem-solving instruction followed by learning BASIC programming, perform significantly better than their counterparts; and (2) female students who learn problem solving (induction) perform significantly higher than female students who learn problem solving (deduction) followed by learning BASIC language programming. Thus, first learning problem-solving skills enhances the ability to learn a programming language.