Experience Report - Conducting Testing Internship for School Students

Hello, fellow testing enthusiasts! In this article, I want to share with you a very unique experience of mine at ifm engineering about conducting a testing internship for school students of City Pride School, Pune. It was an exciting experiment and worth-sharing journey that gave me an opportunity to introduce young minds to the world of software testing and witness their growth firsthand. Throughout the 5-day internship program, I designed the sessions in a way that gives the school students an opportunity to immerse themselves in practical training, gain insights about corporate life, and understand the crucial role of testing in the software development world.

Learning Testing via Games

We kicked off the internship with many engaging exercises. Some of the exercises are available at Testers Playground (unicornplatform.page) ?that combine playfulness, testing skills, and critical thinking. In the first exercise, the students were asked to spend 15 minutes exploring their favorite app and then write down five positive aspects of the app. This exercise encouraged them to think from the user's perspective and appreciate the importance of a seamless user experience. Afterward, they were challenged to identify potential factors that could ruin the user experience. By considering risks and quality issues, they began to grasp the significance of comprehensive testing and the importance of thinking about one thing from two different and opposite sides.

To further develop their testing skills, we conducted multiple exercises focused on finding issues in a test app that had many low-hanging bugs. The students diligently searched for various issues such as typos, mixed capitalization, low contrast, and multiple fonts. Through discussions, we highlighted how these seemingly minor issues can significantly impact the usability and quality of the software. It was inspiring to witness their attention to detail and their realization that every bug matters.

Outcomes of this internship program

The internship program yielded remarkable outcomes. The students not only gained hands-on experience in testing but also developed crucial soft skills. Collaborative teamwork played a vital role throughout the internship. By working together in pairs, the students effectively communicated shared ideas, and solved problems as a team. We also introduced them to the development team to whom they could ask questions and do discussions about their observations, and expectations. This collaborative environment allowed them to understand the interconnection between testing and development and appreciate the value of effective collaboration in creating a high-quality product.

Furthermore, the internship served as a platform for the students to interact with many industry experts. Our in-house experts, Mangal Kakade(Bharate) and Isha Sharma shared their experiences, answered questions, and mentored the students. They played a crucial role in nurturing the students' curiosity and passion for testing. Additionally, on the last day of the internship, the students had the privilege of meeting Mahesh Chikane , the founder, and CEO of The Test Tribe , who further inspired and encouraged them on their testing journey.

What went Right?

Several factors contributed to the success of the internship program. First and foremost, the hands-on approach enabled the students to actively participate in the learning process. By engaging with real-life apps and testing tools, they could immediately apply their knowledge and witness the impact of their actions. This experiential learning approach fostered a deeper understanding and passion for testing.

We also included interactive exercises to provide the students with valuable insights into the intricacies of software testing. This included such videos:

These exercises highlighted the importance of attentiveness, and observation and facilitated critical thinking, risk analysis, and the importance of being proactive as a tester.

They were also involved in one of the internal learning & development sessions on Mindmapping which helped them learn a new visual tool for organizing and showcasing information. They participated very actively in that session and eventually made all the reports, and summaries in mindmap formats only throughout the internship program.

The involvement of industry experts also played a significant role in the success of the internship. Mangal Kakade, Isha Sharma, and Mahesh Chikane shared their knowledge, experiences, and industry best practices, inspiring the students and broadening their perspectives. The guidance and mentorship they provided fostered a sense of belonging in the students and motivated the students to explore further.

What did I learn as a Trainer?

As a trainer, conducting this testing internship for school students was an enlightening experience for me as well. It reinforced the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. I realized that by combining theory with practical exercises and interactive discussions, I could keep the learners engaged and motivated throughout the program.

One valuable lesson I learned was the significance of adaptability and flexibility in teaching. Each student had their own unique learning style and pace, and it was important for me to tailor the training to meet their individual needs. By performing micro experiments and adaptions during the session, I was able to create a comfortable space for the students to ask questions, seek clarification, and express their thoughts.

Moreover, I discovered that incorporating gamification elements into the training process added an element of fun and excitement. The students thoroughly enjoyed the interactive exercises, such as playing around with their favorite apps, participating in the Test Talks Session, and engaging in the Cards Game called "Would Heu Risk It?". These games not only made learning enjoyable but also helped reinforce important testing concepts and skills.

In terms of communication, I realized the significance of using simple language and relatable examples to explain technical concepts. Testing can sometimes be perceived as complex, but by breaking it down into relatable analogies and everyday scenarios, I was able to demystify the subject and make it more approachable for the students.

Conclusion:

Conducting the testing internship for school students was an incredibly rewarding experience as well awesome initiative by ifm engineering. Seeing the students' enthusiasm, growth, and passion for learning about testing was truly inspiring. The hands-on approach, interactive exercises, and interactions with industry experts created a holistic learning environment that nurtured both technical and soft skills.

By experiencing the practical aspects of testing, the students developed critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and attention to detail. They also gained a deeper understanding of the interplay between testing and development and the importance of ensuring high-quality software products, services, and platforms.

In conclusion, conducting this testing internship was not only beneficial for the students but also a valuable experience for me as a trainer. It reinforced the significance of practical training, hands-on learning, and mentorship in shaping the future generation of testing professionals. I am confident that the skills and knowledge acquired during this internship will serve as a strong foundation for the student's future endeavors in the field of software testing.