Experiences of a Software Engineering Course based on Interactive Learning

Learning to apply software engineering requires practical experience, and can not be taught through traditional theory-based lectures. Interactive learning is an approach that combines lectures and exercises into multiple iterations of theory, example, exercise, solution and reflection. It is based on active, computer based and experiential learning and on immediate feedback to improve the learning experience in large classes. It includes hands-on activities with the goal to increase students’ motivation and engagement. This paper describes an interactive learning course design that includes multiple choice quizzes and interactive tutorials as in-class exercises and a team project in which students apply their knowledge in a different setting. Based on this course design, we present a case study with 300 students in 2016. An evaluation shows that students are more engaged and motivated, if they practically apply and exercise the previously learned theory in the classroom. By providing students with both, theoretical foundations and practical exercises, their learning experience improves.

[1]  Sarah Smith Heckman,et al.  An Empirical Study of In-Class Laboratories on Student Learning of Linear Data Structures , 2015, ICER.

[2]  Bernd Brügge,et al.  Teaching Tornado: from communication models to releases , 2012, EduSymp '12.

[3]  Jan Keith Farmer,et al.  Where ' s the evidence that active learning works ? , 2006 .

[4]  Scott Chacon,et al.  Pro Git , 2009, Apress.

[5]  Joanna C. Dunlap,et al.  Rich environments for active learning: a definition , 1995 .

[6]  D. Shaffer.  Pedagogical Praxis: The Professions as Models for Postindustrial Education , 2004, Teachers College Record: The Voice of Scholarship in Education.

[7]  David Boud,et al.  The Challenge of Problem Based Learning , 1991 .

[8]  D. Garrison,et al.  Blended learning: Uncovering its transformative potential in higher education , 2004, Internet High. Educ..

[9]  Bernd Brügge,et al.  User Feedback in Mobile Development , 2014, MobileDeLi '14.

[10]  Bernd Brügge,et al.  Software Engineering Project Courses with Industrial Clients , 2015, TOCE.

[11]  Bernd Brügge,et al.  Rugby: an agile process model based on continuous delivery , 2014, RCoSE 2014.

[12]  D. Krathwohl.  A Revision of Bloom's Taxonomy: An Overview , 2002 .

[13]  Ken Schwaber,et al.  SCRUM Development Process , 1997 .

[14]  Sahana Murthy,et al.  Effect of think-pair-share in a large CS1 class: 83% sustained engagement , 2013, ICER.

[15]  Stephan Krusche,et al.  Introduction of continuous delivery in multi-customer project courses , 2014, ICSE Companion.

[16]  J. Michael.  Where's the evidence that active learning works? , 2006, Advances in physiology education.

[17]  Stephen R. Tate,et al.  Active learning during lecture using tablets , 2014, SIGCSE.

[18]  D. Kolb.  Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development , 1983 .

[19]  Diane Horton,et al.  Evaluating an inverted CS1 , 2014, SIGCSE.

[20]  David W. Johnson,et al.  Cooperative learning : increasing college faculty instructional productivity , 1991 .

[21]  Pm Jenkinson,et al.  Cognitive , 2020, Definitions.

[22]  E. James Whitehead,et al.  Collaboration in Software Engineering: A Roadmap , 2007, Future of Software Engineering (FOSE '07).

[23]  R. W. Root,et al.  Informal Communication in Organizations: Form, Function, and Technology , 1990 .

[24]  David W. Johnson.  Cooperative Learning: Increasing College Faculty Instructional Productivity. ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Report No. 4, 1991. , 1991 .

[25]  R. Ben-Ari,et al.  Differential Effects of Simple Frontal Versus Complex Teaching Strategy on Teachers' Stress, Burnout, and Satisfaction. , 2003 .

[26]  Michael J. Prince,et al.  Does Active Learning Work? A Review of the Research , 2004 .

[27]  Ann L. Cunliffe,et al.  Reflexive Dialogical Practice in Management Learning , 2002 .

[28]  Thomas L. Good,et al.  Looking in Classrooms , 1973 .

[29]  C. Bonwell,et al.  Active learning : creating excitement in the classroom , 1991 .

[30]  J. Kessels,et al.  Linking Practice and Theory: The Pedagogy of Realistic Teacher Education , 2001 .

[31]  Andreas Seitz,et al.  Interactive Learning: Increasing Student Participation through Shorter Exercise Cycles , 2017, ACE '17.

[32]  Bernd Brügge,et al.  Introducing Continuous Delivery of Mobile Apps in a Corporate Environment: A Case Study , 2015, 2015 IEEE/ACM 2nd International Workshop on Rapid Continuous Software Engineering.

[33]  Mark Stansfield,et al.  An application of games-based learning within software engineering , 2007, Br. J. Educ. Technol..

[34]  Bernd Brügge,et al.  Teaching Code Review Management Using Branch Based Workflows , 2016, 2016 IEEE/ACM 38th International Conference on Software Engineering Companion (ICSE-C).