ZUM '97 Proceedings of the 10th International Conference of Z Users on The Z Formal Specification Notation
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This paper describes the use of an automated proof assistant in an introductory, graduate level, Formal Methods of Software Engineering course. Proof is difficult and often seen as abstract but tools can be the basis for relating proofs to practice. The proof editor JAPE can animate formal proofs in various theories, providing students with a significantly self-driven exploration of theory. The existence of machine readable theory objects also presents the opportunity to automate relationships between theory and topics more familiar to the student - programming in this case. We have documented increased work and improved attitude among students toward formal methods and proof using this combined approach. Although the particular example is a graduate course, we believe the increased student involvement in a structured experience leads to better outcomes and can be well-employed in many course, even as a stand off module.