Combining Learning and Engagement Strategies in a Software Testing Learning Environment

Autor/inn/en	Clarke, Peter J.; Davis, Debra L.; Buckley, Ingrid A.; Potvin, Geoff; Thirunarayanan, Mandayam; Jones, Edward L.
Titel	Combining Learning and Engagement Strategies in a Software Testing Learning Environment
Quelle	In: ACM Transactions on Computing Education, 22 (2022) 2, Artikel 11 (25 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Schlagwörter	Learning Strategies; Learner Engagement; Computer Software Evaluation; Computer Science Education; Educational Environment; Teaching Methods; Higher Education; Cooperative Learning; Gamification + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Learning methode; Learning techniques; Lernmethode; Lernstrategie; Softwareanalyse; Computer science lessons; Informatikunterricht; Lernumgebung; Pädagogische Umwelt; Schulumwelt; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Hochschulbildung; Hochschulsystem; Hochschulwesen; Kooperatives Lernen
Abstract	There continues to be an increase in enrollments in various computing programs at academic institutions due to many job opportunities available in the information, communication, and technology sectors. This enrollment surge has presented several challenges in many Computer Science (CS), Information Technology (IT), and Software Engineering (SE) programs at universities and colleges. One such challenge is that many instructors in CS/IT/SE programs continue to use learning approaches that are not learner centered and therefore are not adequately preparing students to be proficient in the ever-changing computing industry. To mitigate this challenge, instructors need to use evidence-based pedagogical approaches, e.g., active learning, to improve student learning and engagement in the classroom and equip students with the skills necessary to be lifelong learners. This article presents an approach that combines learning and engagement strategies (LESs) in learning environments using different teaching modalities to improve student learning and engagement. We describe how LESs are integrated into face-to-face (F2F) and online class activities. The LESs currently used are "collaborative learning," "gamification," "problem-based learning," and "social interaction." We describe an approach used to quantify each LES used during class activities based on a set of characteristics for LESs and the traditional lecture-style pedagogical approaches. To demonstrate the impact of using LESs in F2F class activities, we report on a study conducted over seven semesters in a software testing class at a large urban minority serving institution. The study uses a posttest-only study design, the scores of two midterm exams, and approximate class times dedicated to each LES and traditional lecture style to quantify their usage in a face-to-face software testing class. The study results showed that increasing the time dedicated to collaborative learning, gamification, and social interaction and decreasing the traditional lecture-style approach resulted in a statistically significant improvement in student learning, as reflected in the exam scores. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01