Model Correctness Patterns as an Educational Instrument

Abstract

UML class diagrams play a central role in modeling activities. Given the difficulty in producing high quality models, modelers must be equipped with an awareness of model design problems and the ability to identify and correct such models.

In this paper we observe the role of class diagram correctness patterns as an educational instrument for improving class diagram modeling. We describe a catalog of correctness and quality design (anti)-patterns for class diagrams. The patterns characterize problems, analyze their causes and provide repairing advice. Pattern specification requires an enhancement of the class diagram meta-model. The pattern classification has a major role in clarifying design problems. Finally, we describe an actual experiment of using the catalog for teaching modeling.