Impact of Learning Style based Teaching on Students Performance in a Formal Methods Course for Computer Scientists

Abstract

Teaching a formal methods course can be challenging. Students perceive formal methods as difficult, too mathematical and practical irrelevant. Students show low motivation for the subject, they just want to pass the course with minimal effort. Grades in mandatory formal methods courses are typically below average. In order to address the problems, we analyzed the learning styles of our students. In this work-inprogress paper, we present the changes made to our teaching framework and their impact on student performance. This paper is an experience report on improving performance of master students in formal methods at Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences.