Advances in database systems education: Methods, tools, curricula, and way forward

Area of Science:

• Computer Science Education
• Information Systems

Background:

• Database System Education (DSE) is crucial for computing disciplines, providing foundational data modeling and implementation concepts.
• The introductory DSE course significantly influences student interest in database systems.
• Evolving database technology necessitates continuous updates to DSE curricula and teaching approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing literature on DSE for the first course.
• To analyze the evolution of teaching tools, assessment methods, and curricula in DSE.
• To provide guidelines for instructors and suggest future research directions in DSE.

Main Methods:

• A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted.
• Over 65 articles published between 1995 and 2022 related to DSE were shortlisted and reviewed.
• The review focused on teaching and learning tools, assessment methods, and curriculum design.

Main Results:

• The study synthesizes research on teaching and learning assistants, pedagogical methods, and curriculum adjustments in DSE.
• It documents the historical evolution of DSE practices in response to technological changes.
• Key trends and challenges in educating students on database systems are identified.

Conclusions:

• This SLR offers a comprehensive overview of DSE research, addressing teaching, assessment, and curriculum.
• The findings provide valuable insights for educators and researchers in the field of database systems.
• This work represents the first broad review of research in Database System Education.