Does Cyclic Learning have Positive Impact on Teaching Object-Oriented Programming?

Abstract

This Research to Practice Ful1 Paper presents a study regarding applying cyclic learning strategy with a special focus on object-oriented programming and states our findings, emphasizing both the advantages and disadvantages.The research considers as a use-case the teaching activity in the Faculty of Computer Science of Babeş-Bolyai University. The analysis takes into consideration several disciplines that compass a set of interconnected teaching objectives and aspects: (1) fundamental concepts and mechanisms (F) defined by object-orientated programming paradigm, (2) design principles, heuristics, and rules (D) that act as strategies implied in object-oriented design, and (3) functional and nonfunctional requirements related to software architecture (A).The study is directed by a statistical analysis of the grades obtained by the students at different courses that treat the (F, D, A) aspects, and also the results obtained at the Bachelor's final exam that evaluates the level of the acquired fundamental knowledge. Their evolution and correlation during a period of several years are analyzed, and together with an analysis of the degree of absorption of the students in the IT industry form the base of the study.