Empowering Programming Students through Reflective Practice An action research study on developing reflection through teaching of linked lists

DOI: 10.5176/2251-2195_CSEIT15.14

Authors: Roelien Goede

Abstract: Unintended consequences of information systems lead to failed projects and social harm. Software developers do notreflect enough on the consequences of their actions when theydevelop software. Reflection should be part of the softwaredevelopment process and should be taught to information system students. The aim of this paper is to propose an innovativelearning strategy incorporating reflective practice to empowerstudents to design and implement successful linked listalgorithms in Java.The innovative method was developed over 3years using action research. The method enables students tounderstand the abstraction process required in algorithm design independent of Java code development while reflecting before,during, and after the event. Information systems students become accustomed to reflection in practice while they study. This willempower them to become reflective practitioners in industry who are more accountable for their actions.

Keywords: reflective practice; linked lists; unintended consequences; computer programming education