Teaching Theories Underlying Agile Methods in a Systems Development Course

Presently Agile methods taught in universities focus primarily on providing hands-on experience of the process of development but ignore the evolution of, and theories behind, the Agile practices. "Without theory we are just groping in chaos" [Deming, 1986]. Knowing the 'why" in addition to the "how" of Agile methods will help develop reflective skills and give students an edge as they transition to the rapidly evolving real world of Information Systems. In this article a set of relevant theories that can be included as a module in an Agile methods course curriculum is outlined. An exposure to theories underlying Agile methods help students appreciate the relevance of the principles and practices of the Agile approach and develop authentic problem solving skills.