Abstract:

Students’ Lack of interest or motivation is a worldwide problem that directly affects the immediate need of companies to hire qualified technical employees. The aim of this paper is to describe, evaluate and discuss a set of methodologies for teaching computer science, information and communication technology in vocational training in Spain. Because there are a high demand of IT professionals that have not been covered, this methodology aims to help students in vocational training into a “teaching-learning” process.

Inquiry-based learning methodology needs collaborative, multidisciplinary and open surrondings, which might enable vocational training students to develop competencies in the context of real world enterprises. AGILE methodology is not the main subject of this paper but Scrum as teaching method; Lean as process to make, work and measure learning; and Design Thinking as process to filter official curriculum to get significative content and develop soft skills.

In 2011, two Dutch chemistry teachers deployed Scrum in the teaching process and introduced a new paradigm called eduScrum. They gave students an opportunity to work collaboratively, more effectively and to develop their soft skills. Scrum is not only one of the most widely used software development method in the agile world but also one of the most popular frameworks used in today’s companies.

In this paper we will try to bring the three methodologies closer to the classrooms allowing the student to create his or her personalized product (his or her education). So Design Thinking allows us as teachers to answer the following questions: What do my students need to learn in the subject?; Lean: What is the objective of the learning process? and Scrum: How should classes be organized and how do students learn? We will see the schedule of action with each of the methodologies involved and how the main elements of the curriculum are applied in the process. In addition to this, we will also see how it fits blended learning model with in-person classroom activities, online learning materials and structured independent study time guided using.

This project could be of interest to anyone planning to teach AGILE in vocational training environment, but also to the academic community interested in applying those methods in their own teaching practice.

Keywords:

Agile, Inquiry-based learning, blended learning, Experimental Learning, Vocational training, Scrum, Design Thinking, Lean, Kanban.