Classification of Shared Tasks Used in Teaching

Theresa Elstner, Bärbel Hanle, Frank Loebe, Maik Fröbe, Nikolay Kolyada, Janis Mohr, Jörg Frochte, Sven Hofmann, Benno Stein, Martin Potthast

Abstract: We report on our experience with shared-task-based teaching based on 12 undergraduate and master's courses. From the lessons learned in these courses, we derive a novel classification of shared tasks into four classes based on properties of their solution spaces. The classification aligns the courses with their didactic goals and supports students and instructors in achieving them. We systematically analyze the teaching and learning conditions of each class, such as the required effort and prior knowledge of students and instructors. Our analyses show that shared tasks are a promising teaching method for computer science education that can be adapted to different environments. However, the diversity of shared tasks also requires customized recommendations for instructors.