An interactive learning method to engage students in modeling

Stephan Krusche, Nadine Von Frankenberg, Lara Marie Reimer, Bernd Bruegge

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Modeling is an important skill in software engineering. However, it is often not tangible for students and not appreciated. Students prefer coding because they receive immediate feedback from the compiler. Engaging students in modeling is difficult, especially in large introductory courses. We have developed an interactive learning method for modeling which is based on an easy to use online editor. Students learn modeling in guided tutorials in the lecture right after the theory is introduced and deepen their modeling skills in group work and homework exercises. This learning method was applied in a large introductory course with more than 1000 students. An empirical evaluation of the method demonstrated that the students' learning outcome in modeling improved significantly by up to 87 %. Students are motivated to use models in their future projects and understand how to approach problems with models. The use of interactive models in programming exercises improves their understanding of the taught concepts.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2020 ACM/IEEE 42nd International Conference on Software Engineering
Subtitle of host publicationSoftware Engineering Education and Training, ICSE-SEET 2020
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
Pages12-22
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9781450371247
DOIs
StatePublished - 27 Jun 2020
Event42nd ACM/IEEE International Conference on Software Engineering: Software Engineering Education and Training, ICSE-SEET 2020 - Virtual, Online, Korea, Republic of
Duration: 27 Jun 202019 Jul 2020

Publication series

NameProceedings - International Conference on Software Engineering
ISSN (Print)0270-5257

Conference

Conference42nd ACM/IEEE International Conference on Software Engineering: Software Engineering Education and Training, ICSE-SEET 2020
Country/TerritoryKorea, Republic of
CityVirtual, Online
Period27/06/2019/07/20

Keywords

  • Education
  • Interactive
  • Learning Management System
  • Learning Success
  • Modeling
  • Online Editor
  • Software Engineering

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