Steps in developing an advanced software engineering course using problem based learning

Abstract

University graduates may struggle to convert the skills they have learnt in software engineering design principles to real-world situations such as would be found in industry.The traditional teaching practice of lectures and tutorials is not providing the context nor sufficient practice for students to develop the skills needed to solve real work problems.This paper investigates the use of Problem Based Learning (PBL) and its application to software engineering and distance education.Through a sound pedagogical approach the key skills of PBL (as endorsed by PBL practitioners, such as problem solving and independent learning) can be developed in the students as they are exposed to real world software engineering problems.