A Case Study of an Integrated Programming Course Based on PBL

This Research to Practice Full Paper describes a case study of a course that uses problem-based learning (PBL) to integrate the subjects of Object-Oriented Programming, Data Structures and Software Design. We aimed to explore student learning when this teaching-learning approach was applied in the second term of a Computer Engineering undergraduate program. Data collection and analysis was qualitative, using semi-structured interviews and both open and axial coding. Results were organized in terms of qualitative themes describing course organization, problem conception, learned concepts and skills. This thorough exploration of such issues allows course developers to reflect on the impact of PBL and curriculum integration in student learning.