Beyond the Code: A Multi-Modal Assessment Strategy for Fostering Professional Competencies via Introductory Programming Projects
This addresses the problem of preparing students for modern software engineering by integrating professional competencies into introductory programming courses, though it appears incremental in pedagogical approach.
The paper tackles the problem of introductory programming courses needing to teach more than just syntax by implementing a multi-modal assessment strategy in a Project-Based Learning framework for a 2D game project. The result shows improved student retention of programming fundamentals and enhanced communication skills and critical thinking.
As the landscape of software engineering evolves, introductory programming courses must go beyond teaching syntax to foster comprehensive technical competencies and professional soft skills. This paper reports on a pedagogical experience in a "Fundamentals of Programming" course that used a Project-Based Learning (PBL) framework to develop a 2D "Maze Runner"-style game. While game development serves as a high-engagement vehicle for mastering core concepts, such as multidimensional arrays, control structures, and logic, the core of this study focuses on implementing a rigorous, multifaceted assessment model structured across four distinct dimensions: (1) an in-situ technical demonstration, evaluating real-time code execution and algorithmic robustness; (2) a technical screencast, requiring students to articulate their work in a concise audiovisual format; (3) a formal presentation to instructors, defending their project's design patterns and problem-solving strategies; and (4) a structured peer-review process, where students evaluated their colleagues' projects. Our findings suggest that this multi-dimensional approach not only improves student retention of programming fundamentals but also significantly enhances communication skills and critical thinking. By integrating peer evaluation and multimedia documentation, the course successfully bridges the gap between basic coding and the collaborative requirements of modern software engineering. This paper details the curriculum design, the challenges of implementing diverse assessment pillars, and the measurable impact on student performance and engagement, providing a scalable roadmap for educators looking to modernize introductory computing curricula.