Group-based software engineering in an introductory computer science course

The author has explored the use of peer learning in a large, introductory data structures course within a computer science curriculum. The principal peer learning activities are group programming projects where each student group gains first-hand experience in working with others and putting into practice the basic concepts of software design and engineering. The paper describes the use of group programming projects in the course and provides the experience with them in three instances of the course over a four year period. Overall, they have found the introduction of group programming projects in this large introductory course to be beneficial to students in gaining first-hand experience with a large programming project, which both motivates the need for and provides initial experience with good software engineering principles.