Empowering student teams with agile: enhancing database education

This study explores the integration of Agile project management methods, specifically Scrum and Kanban, to enhance group projects within Database Applications module at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS). Group projects are acknowledged as vital for developing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for professional success. While beneficial, students often encounter significant challenges such as uneven workload distribution, scheduling conflicts, and communication issues, negatively impacting project quality and learning outcomes.

To address these challenges, Agile methodologies offer structured yet flexible frameworks. Scrum's iterative sprints and defined roles encourage accountability and continuous improvement, whereas Kanban's visual task management optimizes resource allocation and real-time task tracking. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these approaches by addressing the following research questions:

1. How does implementing Scrum and Kanban influence group collaboration, individual learning experiences, and overall project outcomes in database courses?
2. Which Agile methodology proves more adaptable and effective for future database coursework?
3. Does using Agile project management methodologies significantly impact the performance and reflective practices of students?

The findings aim to provide actionable insights for enhancing educational practices and improving student experiences through effective Agile implementation.