Authors | J. Gonzalez-Huerta, J. S. Molléri, A. Šablis and E. Zabardast |
Title | Experiential Learning Approach for Software Engineering Courses at Higher Education Level |
Afilliation | Software Engineering |
Project(s) | Department of IT Management |
Status | Submitted |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2021 |
Journal | arXiv preprint arXiv:2012.14178 |
Publisher | Springer |
Abstract | Background: Software project management activities help to introducing software process models in Software Engineering courses. However, these activities should be adequately aligned with the learning outcomes and support student's progression. Objective: Present and evaluate an approach to help students acquire theoretical and practical knowledge and experience real-world software projects' challenges. The approach combines a serious game and a design-implement task in which students develop a controlled-scale software system. Methods: To evaluate our approach, we analyzed the students' perceptions collected through an online survey, their project plans, and their final reports using thematic analysis. Results: Results suggest that the approach promotes knowledge acquisition, enables students' progression, reinforces theoretical concepts, and is properly aligned with the course's learning outcomes. Conclusion: The approach seems to help introducing software process models in Software Engineering courses. Our experience can also be inspiring for educators willing to apply our approach in similar courses. |
Citation Key | 27679 |