Use of Design Sprint in PBL Modules– A Longitudinal Case Study Approach

Abstract

Project Based Learning (PBL) modules have become an inevitable part in SE curriculums. Industry relevance of PBL mechanisms have further strengthened this crucial need. Design Sprint is well known as a PBL approach which enhances transferable skills in students. Design Sprint is also a widely used mechanism in software industry projects. Therefore, Design Sprint could be used to enhance the outcomes of SE undergraduate PBL projects. This study makes use of a longitudinal case study approach to investigate the effectiveness of using Design Sprint approach in a SE undergraduate module which used PBL. The study focusses a group of students (111) and academics (12) in SE degree program in a private higher education institute in Sri Lanka. Qualitative data gathered from the target audience in two distinctive occasions to investigate the effectiveness of Design Sprint in PBL projects. The results showcased that Design Sprint has a positive impact in improving performance criteria such as problem solving, teamwork, analytical skills, communication skills and acquiring new knowledge. The results indicated that majority of the students (more than 80%) had positive opinions about the Design Sprint. The academics further strengthened this finding as they also agree that there was a significant improvement in student performance in PBL projects after introducing Design Sprint mechanism.