Effects of Peer Teaching Method in Software Testing Course in Comparison with Traditional Teaching Method

Abstract

This action research project incorporated a peer teaching model for creating an active learning environment for teaching the course “Software Verification, Validation, and Testing”. Topics covered in the course included an overview of software testing, software quality, types of software testing, test case design techniques, test documentation, software test frameworks; model-based testing, software verification, and validation. The research aimed to explore to what extent peer teaching would increase students’ learning motivation, and engagement, develop critical thinking skills, and their performance. The study was conducted for one semester and data were generated using questionnaires, test scores, and student activity records as instruments. The test score data is collected from 10 students taking the course. The data were analyzed using qualitative (textual data obtained from open-ended responses) and quantitative (numerical data from questionnaires, and test scores) methods. The result showed that the peer teaching approach has a positive effect on the attitudes of students toward software testing courses compared to lecture mode instruction.