Navigating Multi-Semester Service Learning in Software Engineering: Strategies for Success
Abstract
This innovative practice full paper examines strategies for managing multi-semester service learning projects in software engineering courses. Project-based learning is a cornerstone of software engineering education that engages students with real-world challenges through hands-on experiences. While these projects provide valuable experiential learning opportunities and expose students to complex, real-world challenges, they also present logistical difficulties, particularly in sustaining momentum and ensuring effective knowledge transfer between student teams. Grounded in existing research, this work presents a flexible framework of strategies and best practices developed by the authors over the last 10 years across various institutional contexts. The paper evaluates the effectiveness of these strategies through continuous assessment mechanisms, including iterative feedback and student reflections. Findings contribute actionable methodologies for integrating multi-semester projects into curricula, supporting sustainable service learning, and better preparing students for professional software development practice.
