Applied Knowledge Retention – Are Active Learning Tools the Solution?

Abstract Knowledge retention is a human issue requiring efficient effective teaching strategies to overcome. In today’s deliverable driven economy members of the software development workforce are expected to bring in applied knowledge that allows them to perform at high levels from their first day on the job. Software Engineering students often do not have enough hands-on experiences to help them retain knowledge on key software concepts to allow them to add value and make timely impact on their first job. Engineering programs need to go beyond simply offering industry-based capstone courses and internships. Engineering educators regard experiential learning as the best way to train the next generation of software engineers. It is the authors’ belief that introducing active learning opportunities in their major courses can help students, bridge the experience gap between study and practice. Active learning makes use of applied classroom activities that engage students in the process. Active learning can be delivered in different formats like using a flipped classroom or peer instruction. Instructors in active classrooms make use of a variety of tools like case studies, trigger videos, role play, and small group exercises. Active learning assists in knowledge retention by immersing students in hands-on activities whose purpose is to reveal the mapping between theory and practice. In this paper the authors’ discuss the effectiveness of Active Learning, describe the Active Learning Tools developed to teach Software Engineering knowledge areas in their Universities and present learning assessments with student testimonials.