Abstract:

Experiential learning provides a mechanism for producing work ready graduates. Undergraduate curriculum, which provide opportunities for professional practice are especially suitable for resource constrained economies. However, one challenge is how best to blend the curriculum of practice with the core curriculum in a way that provides meaningful experience and active learning without diminishing the core theoretical frame of the program.

The study pilots an experiential learning approach in an undergraduate Software Implementation and Testing course. The pilot involved students testing and actively interacting with an Enterprise application. The purpose of the pilot was to provide real-world experience in order to enhance students’ software testing capabilities and knowledge.

Using a qualitative approach the study evaluates students’ knowledge about specific aspects of software testing before and after the pilot. The feedback provided was compared and evaluated to determine what students learned from the experience and how their skills were enhanced.

This strategy was found to improve learning, and in addition to sharpening students’ software testing skills. However, there were challenges in terms of the learning curve for various aspect of the testing tool. Feedback from the pilot can be used to improve the experiential component of the course.

Keywords:

Experiential Learning, Active Learning, Software Testing.