Our first Project Result outlines the innovative training model for newcomers that want to develop professional career in software testing and do not have any experience or background in this area. The training model is built on the following approaches:
• Agile learning approach
• Educational equity
• Learner-cantered approach
• Self-regulated learning
• Self-determination theory
• Learning on demand
• Online learning
The combination of these approaches ensured the development of a new flexible and effective training model.
The training model defines:
• Demanded skills and knowledge of Software Testing professionals.
• Teaching goals and methods, in particular the role of the agile coach and train-the-trainer approach.
• Learning goals and concrete training pathways for newcomers to become software tester.
We focus on the most on-demand pathways and accessible for people with no IT background. We address 3 main pathways:
o Agile testing
o Automation in Testing
o Accessibility Testing
Within the Software Testing Academy, we focus on an agile learning and teaching concept. In this concept we put the learner in the center of the learning process. Each learner is an individual with a unique set of skills and prior knowledge combined with a very personal experience, motivation and background that should be considered when it comes to learning. By focusing on the individual, every learner has the opportunity not only to learn what he or she wants but also needs. This individual approach has to be adapted to a predetermined scope (software testing) with different subject areas (e.g. agile testing). Predefined teaching goals will be linked to individual learning goals.
Defining the basis of the pedagogical methodology and the training model.
The partnership held a transnational meeting of experts to discuss the first methodological approach and elements to be applied in the training model.
We then surveyed people interested in working in the software testing and IT sector on training approaches. QualityMinds prepared the questionnaires on the training approaches:
• Agile learning approach
• Educational equity
• Learner-cantered approach
• Self-regulated learning
• Self-determination theory
• Learning on demand
• Online learning
The questionnaire was validated by the partnership and then each partner surveyed at least 10 participants to the consultation phase from the direct target groups – the future learners or trainees.
Subsequently, an analysis was carried out and the methodological approach to be developed was established. Each partner made a report on the results of their survey, and then all the conclusions were brought together in an overall report.
Development of Competence Frameworks
For the establishment of the template for Competence Framework on Software Tester, the partnership, based on their experience and previous studies, developed a list of key skills and knowledge of Software Testing professionals.
We then conducted questionnaires among IT industry representatives and external experts. The partnership applied a questionnaire among IT industry representatives and external experts in 6 countries to obtain concise information on specific profiles (track record) in the field of software testing as well as skills needs. In this context, the contribution of industry partners Amaris and QualityMinds was crucial. Each partner made a report on the results of their surveys, and then a general report was made compiling information from the 6 countries.
Later, the production of the Competence Framework for each Training Pathway was carried on. We focused on the 3 main pathways: Agile testing, Automation in Testing, and Accessibility Testing. Within each training pathway, the following elements were defined:
• Demanded skills and knowledge.
• Teaching goals and methods.
• Learning outcomes.
All Training Pathways were planned in accordance with the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) to ensure their further accreditation.
In the “Results and Outputs” section of our website you can find the reports of the two questionnaires carried out – one for software testing experts and one for future learners. We have also included the Competence Frameworks developed for each of the 3 different pathways: Agile testing, Automation in Testing, and Accessibility Testing. Check them out here!