ISEDJ

Abstract: Project-based learning (PBL) engages students deeply with course concepts and empowers them to drive their own learning through the development of solutions to real-world challenges. By taking ownership of and completing a project that they designed, students are able to develop and demonstrate creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. This paper describes two different software development projects, designed with a PBL approach, in Python coding courses at two business universities in the United States. The authors contend that projects based on a PBL approach motivate students for self-exploration and allow for the measure of student learning. The authors present their respective projects, share examples of student work, and offer suggestions and lessons learned from implementing PBL assignments in their classrooms. Finally, the authors reflect, through sharing student comments, on how key aspects of PBL are manifest in this project, and discuss challenges in offering and managing PBL assignments. The paper concludes that PBL assignments offer a valuable learning opportunity for students to create software applications that meaningfully demonstrate their coding skills.

Download this article: ISEDJ - V19 N3 Page 47.pdf

Recommended Citation: Frydenberg, M., Mentzer, K., (2021). From Engagement to Empowerment: Project-Based Learning in Python Coding Courses. Information Systems Education Journal19(3) pp 47-62. http://ISEDJ.org/2021-3/ ISSN : ISSN: 1545-679X. A preliminary version appears in The Proceedings of EDSIGCON 2020