From Real-World Projects to Research-Oriented Learning: Continuous Improvement of a Master-Level Course in Software Engineering Education

2026-06-12 · Source: cs.SE updates on arXiv.org · Field: Education & Learning — Academic Research & Higher Education, Skill Development & Professional Training, Educational Psychology & Learning Sciences · Depth: Expert, extended

Summary

A longitudinal mixed-methods study of a master-level Information Systems course at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hannover, Germany, from 2019 to 2025, reveals its continuous evolution from a practice-oriented project format to a more explicitly research-oriented learning environment. Despite increasing methodological demands, broader empirical designs, and more complex thematic and organizational settings, student perceptions of course quality remained consistently positive across the six years. Key design elements supporting this positive perception included authentic projects, external collaboration with companies, strong lecturer support, structured scaffolding for research activities, and visible relevance of the students' work. The study utilized teaching evaluations, course documentation, and reflective teaching artifacts to trace this development.

Key takeaway

For lecturers evolving master-level software engineering courses, you can successfully increase methodological rigor and research orientation without diminishing student satisfaction. Prioritize authentic projects with external partners and ensure visible relevance. Provide explicit scaffolding, like introductory sessions and feedback, to manage complexity. Maintain strong lecturer accessibility and support to help students navigate demanding empirical work and uncertainty.

Key insights

Continuously evolving a master-level course towards research-oriented learning can maintain positive student perceptions with deliberate design.

Principles

• Visible authenticity and external relevance are crucial.
• Gradually increase research orientation.
• Combine autonomy with structured scaffolding.

Method

A longitudinal mixed-methods study analyzed six years (2019-2025) of a master-level course using teaching evaluations, course documentation, and reflective teaching artifacts to trace evolution and student perceptions.

In practice

• Integrate real-world projects with external partners.
• Provide introductory sessions and intermediate feedback.
• Ensure lecturer accessibility for quick support.

Topics

• Software Engineering Education
• Research-Oriented Learning
• Project-Based Learning
• Course Design
• Student Perceptions
• Longitudinal Study

Related on AIssential

• Domain Diversity, Motivation, Inclusion, and Feedback in Software Modelling Education — Student motivation in software modelling hinges on diverse, relatable domains and visible feedback, often misaligned with educator assumptions.
• Supporting Your Employees’ Career Growth When Everyone Is Overwhelmed — Leaders must shift from rigid career ladders to continuous learning to support employee growth amid overwhelming uncertainty.
• Software Engineering: Beyond Coding — A Comprehensive Exploration of the Discipline, Skills, Career… — Software engineering is a systematic discipline focused on the entire lifecycle of robust, scalable, and ethical software systems.
• Examining the Usage of Generative AI Models in Student Learning Activities for Software Programming — GenAI significantly improves programming task performance but often impedes knowledge gains, particularly for beginners who over-rely on it.
• A Video Game that Pays: Lessons Learned from Working Remotely — Trust and clear asynchronous communication are paramount for productive remote software engineering.
• MAJOR SHIFT: NASSCOM and MeitY's AI Curriculum Plan Could Reshape Every Engineering Degree in India — India's AI curriculum is being redesigned to integrate industry-relevant skills and provide national shared compute infrastructure.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by cs.SE updates on arXiv.org.