ISRI Seminar Series

The Master of Software Engineering Program Presents:

Wednesday, 2 March 2005, 12 pm, NSH 1305
lunch will be provided

Speaker: Orit Hazzan, Technion

Teaching and Learning Abstraction through Reflection Processes:
Application to Software Engineering


Abstract:

Software Engineering processes are characterized by both cognitive and
social complexities. The talk focuses on the cognitive complexity of
software development processes in general and on the concept of
abstraction - a core concept of Software Engineering - in particular.
Based on the assumption that the teaching and learning of the concept
of abstraction, as well as of its application to Software Engineering,
are not a trivial challenge, the talk illustrates how reflection can
assist in the teaching and learning of abstraction. In particular,
Schšn's framework of Reflective Practice is used for demonstrating
how the intertwining of reflective processes into software development
activities may support and enhance abstract thinking.


Bio:

Dr. Orit Hazzan received her Ph.D. from the Technion - Israel
Institute of Technology in 1995.  Currently, Dr. Hazzan is a senior
lecturer in the Department of Education in Technology and Science of
the Technion. Her research focuses on teaching human aspects of
software engineering. Specifically, she examines cognitive and social
processes in the teaching and learning of software development
methods.  Her research on human aspects of software engineering led to
the establishment of connections with the Israeli software industry,
including several talks and workshops in some of the leading worldwide
Israeli hi-tech firms. In May 2004, together with Jim Tomayko, they
published their book Human Aspects of Software Engineering.  Her
service includes activities related to gender and culture in computer
science and software engineering education and to the integration of
information and communication technologies in undergraduate science
and technology education. Her teaching during the past fifteen years
includes undergraduate and graduate courses in mathematics, computer
science, mathematics education, computer science education and human
aspects of software engineering.