RT Journal Article
T1 Exploring actions, interactions and challenges in software modelling tasks: an empirical investigation with students.
A1 Chakraborty, Shalini
A1 Troya-Castilla, Javier
A1 Burgueño-Caballero, Lola
A1 Liebel, Grischa
K1 Soporte lógico - Desarrollo
K1 Ingeniería del software - Estudio y enseñanza
AB BackgroundSoftware modelling is a creative yet challenging task. Modellers often find themselves lost in the process, from understanding the modelling problem to solving it with proper modelling strategies and modelling tools. Students learning modelling often get overwhelmed with the notations and tools. To teach students systematic modelling, we must investigate students’ practical modelling knowledge and the challenges they face while modelling.AimWe aim to explore students’ modelling knowledge and modelling actions. Further, we want to investigate students’ challenges while solving a modelling task on specific modelling tools.MethodWe conducted an empirical study by observing 16 pairs of students from two universities and countries solving modelling tasks for one hour.ResultsWe find distinct patterns of modelling of class and sequence diagrams based on individual modelling styles, the tools’ interface and modelling knowledge. We observed how modelling tools influence students’ modelling styles and how they can be used to foster students’ confidence and creativity. Based on these observations, we developed a set of guidelines aimed at enhancing modelling education and helping students acquire practical modelling skills.ConclusionsThe guidance for modelling in education needs to be structured and systematic. Our findings reveal that different modelling styles exist, which should be properly studied. It is essential to nurture the creative aspect of a modeller, particularly while they are still students. Therefore, selecting the right tool is important, and students should understand how a tool can influence their modelling style.
PB Springer Science
YR 2026
FD 2026-03-21
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10630/46214
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10630/46214
LA eng
NO Chakraborty, S., Troya, J., Burgueño, L. et al. Exploring actions, interactions and challenges in software modelling tasks: an empirical investigation with students. Empir Software Eng 31, 97 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10664-026-10815-5
DS RIUMA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Málaga
RD 7 abr 2026