A Framework for Teaching Software Development Methods

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A Framework for Teaching Software Development Methods

Yael Dubinsky
Orit Hazzan

Abstract

This article presents a study that aims at constructing a teaching framework for software development methods in higher education. The research field is a capstone project-based course, offered by the Technion’s Department of Computer Science, in which Extreme Programming is introduced. The research paradigm is an Action Research that involves cycles of data collection, examination, evaluation, and application of results. The research uses several research tools for data gathering, as well as several research methods for data interpretation. The article describes in detail the research background, the research method, and the gradual emergence process of a framework for teaching software development methods. As part of the comprehensive teaching framework, a set of measures is developed to assess, monitor, and improve the teaching and the actual process of software development projects.

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Annotation

The article discusses a pilot study that relies upon a “studio-type of class” and an academic coach. In the study, a qualitative methodology is applied. Both students and academic success coaches are interviewed. The authors describe the responsibilities of the “coach”: “Coordinates and solves group problems, checks the web forum and responds on a daily basis, leads some development sessions.”

The article might be helpful for understanding one way in which academic success coaches might be studied. This particular study focused in on how effective the training for coaches was in assisting them to help the students succeed in the course.

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