Using Architectural Kata in Software Architecture Course: An Experience Report

Abstract

Software Architecture Courses in Software Engineering curricula often involve project-based group assignments where students have to design and document software architectures and evaluate other architectures. This paper presents the design and implementation of the Architectural Kata workshop conducted in the Software Architecture course as a group exercise to teach designing, documenting, and evaluating software architecture. Feedback on the workshop was collected from students using a survey questionnaire after the conclusion of the course. The results showed that besides acquiring skills to design and evaluate architectural designs, the workshop also supported skills to identify non-functional requirements, elaborate assumptions, and collaborate with their peers. Observations and lessons learned from the workshop about students' feedback, planning, and workshop moderation are shared. Possible future improvements are also suggested.