The active-learning transformation: a case study in software development and systems software courses

Authors:
Ross Sowell;Christopher Gill;Roger D. Chamberlain;Cindy Grimm;Kenneth J. Goldman;Mark Tranel
Affiliations:
Washington University, St. Louis, MO;Washington University, St. Louis, MO;Washington University, St. Louis, MO;Washington University, St. Louis, MO;Washington University, St. Louis, MO;University of Missouri - St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
Venue:
Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges
Year:
2010

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Abstract

We present our experience in transforming a software development course and a systems software course from a traditional, lecture-based style to an active-learning format. We outline the common changes that were made in both courses, and provide a summary of the active-learning techniques that were successfully employed. We provide quantitative and qualitative evidence that this transformation was a success. In both courses, student grades and overall satisfaction with the course were increased with the transformation to active learning, despite teaching essentially the same curriculum.