Agile methodology scrum: Report of an experience in the first contact with programming languages in a university course of computer science

Abstract

Algorithms and programming are the initial curricular units in a computer science degree; it’s where there is a first contact with thinking algorithmic and a programming language. Always a high rate of failure, often accompanied by abandonment. The workgroup presents itself as an attempt for the students to gain interest in the unit, as well as to improve their skills. This article is part of an investigation that intends to see the benefits of an agile methodology such as SCRUM associated with the project. The agile SCRUM methodology was chosen because its characteristics fit the expected objectives. The principles of rugby scrum are used as a methodology for group work in software projects. The constitution of the groups was imposed and not chosen by the students. Initially 55 students were enrolled in the curricular unit: 11 groups with 5 students each. The work consisted of three parts (each submitted into MOODLE). In the three phases of the project each student had to complete two surveys: one at the beginning of each phase and one at the end of each of the three phases. A final evaluation was requested in the form of an inquiry. On the day of the final presentation, almost all the students said they really liked the group work and explained that they worked much harder in time and effort to do the work than in the tests.