Challenge-Based Learning: Effects on Polytechnic Students Retention in Computer Architecture

Knowledge retention refers to the ability of learners to preserve acquired knowledge, skills and experiences over time and retrieve them when needed (Amin & Malik, 2014). It is what eventually determines whether classroom learning in a discipline such as Computer Architecture translates into a long term competence. Computer Architecture is widely recognised as one of the most challenging courses in Computer Science/Engineering education, due to its abstract concepts, technical complexity and the interrelated nature of its components (Al-fedaghi, 2021). Students may demonstrate understanding during instruction or examinations and still many struggle to retain what they have learnt over extended periods of time and this becomes evident when they are unable to recall previously learnt principles or apply them in subsequent courses and practical situations. Because Computer Architecture concepts, such as instruction execution cycles, processor organisation, memory hierarchy, cache systems, input/output operations and hardware-software interactions are interrelated in nature (Leijon et al., 2021). Poor academic retention at this stage can hinder students' academic progression and limit the competencies required for professional computing, technical and engineering practice in the future.