Rule-based systems made easy with battleship games: A well-received classroom experience

Departing from imperative programming and involving intense logical analysis, delivering rule-based systems knowledge to novice undergraduates poses quite a challenge. We implemented an activity-based teaching method combined with a cooperative learning model, employing battleship games. Their embedded rule-based nature was realized and reinforced in two stages. A puzzle captured attention, challenged, and encouraged analytical thinking. A combat tournament competitively engaged and fully energized the classroom. Students responded positively, enjoying the experience, liking activities, valuing interdependent group discussions and teamwork. They appreciated the easy to understand presentation of concepts, favored the real-world applications connection, and advocated tangible visualization and physical perception.