A Conceptual Model for Case-Based Learning in Software Architecture Education

HighlightsProposes CM4SAC, a conceptual model that integrates software architecture, real-world cases, and instructional design.CM4SAC provides systematic guidance for creating, selecting, and evaluating case-based instructional materials in software architecture education.Introduces a replicable approach for conceptual model construction, combining methods from education and computing with qualitative coding techniques that can be applied to create conceptual models in software engineering topics. A Conceptual Model for Case-Based Learning in Software Architecture Education ​Abstract:Software architecture plays a central role in determining software quality, yet its teaching and learning remain challenging. Case-based instruction, successfully adopted in fields such as law and medicine, has shown potential for explaining complex concepts and fostering classroom discussion. However, designing effective educational materials grounded in real-world cases demands significant planning, especially in software architecture teaching. This paper aims to support instructors in creating, selecting, and evaluating software architecture cases for instruction design. We present a conceptual model, CM4SAC, that organizes the key concepts required to understand the relationships among software architecture, real-world cases, and instructional design. The model was developed through analysis of existing literature, expert knowledge, documented cases, and our experience using cases in undergraduate and postgraduate software architecture courses. Results indicate that CM4SAC provides a representative set of concepts that can guide the design and assessment of instructional materials, ultimately strengthening software architecture education.