Coding Dojo Research Articles

A Second Experimental Study the Application of a Teaching Plan for the Algorithms Subject in an Undergraduate Course in Computing using Active Methodologies

The contents taught in the programming subjects have a great relevance in the formation of computing students. However, these subjects are characterized by high failure rates, as they require logical reasoning and mathematical knowledge. Thus, establishing knowledge through the subject of algorithms can help students to overcome these difficulties and absorb the contents and skills required. Thus, this work aims to present and discuss the results of a second experiment on the application of a teaching plan composed of several active methodologies (Virtual Learning Environments, Coding Dojo, Gamification, Problem-Based Learning, Flipped Classroom and Serious Games) in an algorithms subject. Based on this experiment, it was evaluated whether there were learning gains compared to the learning acquired with the traditional method. Finally, an analysis was performed using the two-tailed Student-t approach, used for independent samples, which presented statistically significant results.

Application of a Teaching Plan for Algorithm Subjects Using Active Methodologies: An Experimental Report

Computer programming subjects have high failure rates, their contents are of great importance for the formation of undergraduate students, however their learning is considered challenging. There are several studies in the specialized literature that investigate the use of types of intervention that can improve the learning of contents, most of them are focused on introductory subjects such as algorithms, considering that it provides the basis for the development of necessary skills and competences for the computer programming. By establishing a solid foundation in the learning of programming contents, through the algorithms subject, it is expected that students will have less difficulty in absorbing the knowledge needed to deepen their programming skills in subsequent subjects. In this sense, the use of approaches that promote active learning on the part of students in algorithmic subjects stand out in the specialized literature, in order to increase their engagement and awaken their interest in the contents covered, making them protagonists of their learning. Thus, the objective of this work is to discuss and analyze the results of an experiment that consisted in the application of a teaching plan that makes use of multiple active methodologies (Virtual Learning Environments, Coding Dojo, Gamification, Problem Based Learning – PBL, Flipped Classroom and Serious Games) in an algorithms subject. We sought to evaluate the learning gains of the proposed approach compared to teaching using the traditional teaching method. A statistical analysis was performed using the Student-t two-tailed approach for independent samples, which showed significant statistical gains when using the proposed approach.

Teaching test-drive development using Dojo

Teaching Test-Driven Development (TDD) to the students is challenging. TDD is best learned when it is actually performed rather than read about. Especially when the students are novice to TDD, starting by writing a test first seems to be extremely hard, and proceeding with the small steps that the TDD cycle requires often demands explicit guidance. Coding Dojo is a dynamic and collaborative activity where people can practice programming, especially techniques related to agile methods. This paper discusses the two experiments conducted to find out how Coding Dojo methodology improves the code coverage of students programming and how it improves motivation in students to learn TDD.

Uncovering Steady Advances for an Extreme Programming Course


 
 
 This paper presents an empirical study about identifying improvement actions for an eXtreme Programming course in the academic environment. This exploratory study is undertaken in two preliminary phases. These phases are part of a wider research project to develop a theory about how to continuously improve courses of similar structure and content. The first phase consists of diagnosing improvement actions from the 2010 edition of the course through a qualitative analysis of data obtained using various methods: (1) students’ responses to a questionnaire with open questions; and (2) students’ opinions expressed in a final agile retrospective with all members of the course. The second phase consists of an early application of the identified improvements in the 2011 edition of the course to gather lessons learned, and develop a definite case study design to be used continuously in the next courses offered. Amongst the results, we found that the use of initiatives to promote interactions between groups like Coding Dojo and Brainwritting helps students to effectively learn and share knowledge and experiences, a problem still unsolved when thinking of scaling agile methods. Also, this paper allows keeping track on what is occurring in the course.