Mapping Learning Objectives of Project-Based Undergraduate Software Engineering Courses to CC2020 Competency Model

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Abstract

This qualitative research performs a thematic analysis of the learning objectives in existing project-based undergraduate software engineering courses to align them with the competency model defined in the Computing Curricula 2020 reports (CC2020). This study identifies the trends, strengths, and gaps in how the reviewed course learning objectives cover the knowledge, skill, and disposition components of the CC2020 competency model. The learning objectives were categorized according to knowledge elements, skills, and dispositions as defined in the CC2020 competency model. Our analysis shows that 54% of knowledge elements from the reviewed learning objectives do not have any skill level specified and overall, only two out of the eleven dispositions in CC2020 are specified ('Collaboration' and 'Professional'). We also find that technical knowledge elements from the software development category (e.g., software process, software design, and software quality, verification & validation) and systems modeling category (e.g., systems analysis & design, and requirements analysis and specification), probably unsurprisingly, are covered the most often. Similarly, collaboration & teamwork, and oral & written communication are unsurprisingly the most common professional & foundational knowledge elements in the reviewed course's learning objectives as they are essential to project-based learning. Although they are essential for the completion of a successful software project, knowledge elements such as time management, security technology & implementation, and user experience design are rarely mentioned. We discuss the implications of our findings on course design.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Proceedings - Frontiers in Education Conference, FIE

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