Using POGIL to Teach and Learn Design Patterns — A Constructionist Based Incremental, Collaborative Approach

Abstract

Empirical studies have shown that teaching and learning Design Patterns is a challenging task.This paper evaluates suitability of Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) as an effective method to teach and learn Design Patterns. We measured the impact of POGIL on overall performance of students. The results indicate that students who were taught Design Patterns using POGIL performed better thereby improving their programming skills, critical thinking, problem-solving as well as communication skills. It also resulted in much better concentration level and leadsto guided thinking in arriving towards a solution. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported study on applying and evaluating the impact of POGIL to teach design patterns.