“Team-Based Pedagogy for CS102 Using Game Design” by Rankin, Lechner and Gooch

Computer science teachers often struggle with design programming assignments that both introduce students to object-oriented design and provide meaningful opportunities for students to develop object-oriented programming skills. As a result, teachers seek creative alternatives for educating the next generation of computer scientists. Using the context of game design, we identify a team-based pedagogical strategy to assist students with understanding object-oriented design principles. Team-based pedagogy includes well-defined rubric, application-focused team programming assignments, software development tools and built-in incentives for individual and team learning. We extend Microsoft’s Flight Simulator X game platform as a software development tool for team programming assignments that reinforce object-oriented game design. Additionally, we develop team-based learning tools that promote social interactions as a part of the learning process as students develop proficiency in object-oriented programming. Finally, we propose a method for evaluating team-based pedagogy applicable to computer programming courses that influence positive learning outcomes for students.