Problem and Project-Based Learning in Scripting Lab

Abstract

Scripting language employ high-level constructs to interpret and execute one command at a time. In general scripting languages are easier to learn and faster to code than structured and compiled languages such as C and C++. Scripting languages have many important advantages over traditional programming languages. In future the usage of these languages is likely to increase. In this paper we discuss and report our experience in teaching scripting languages lab at the undergraduate level, 4th semester. Scripting language is an umbrella term used for languages like unix shell, TCL, perl, java, python and LISP. Out of these, we have chosen UNIX shell programming and python for our curriculum. The authors report various pedagogical activities like multiple assignments, peer assessment within a group, self learning through e-resources and course project that were employed during the course. The course projects were specially designed so as to make students explore the vast number of python packages. The authors found that these activities definitely enhance the learning experience and there was a remarkable change in the learning level of the students as compared to previous years as evident in the grades obtained by the students.