Combining project based learning and cooperative learning strategies in a geotechnical engineering course

Abstract

; Abstract: This paper presents the implementation of a learning methodology following a student-centred approach. The methodology is based on the use of project based and cooperative learning and mainly consists of commissioning students to prepare a presentation on a topic of their subject. Students work in groups, and later must deliver a real lecture to their colleagues. The proposed methodology was applied across 7 years and its implementation was monitored via day-to-day observations, annual surveys, the gathering of direct feedback as well as by analysing the students’ academic performance. Results show the ability of the proposed learning methodology to enhance motivation and engagement of students, facilitate the improvement of four soft skills (team-working, practical thinking, effective communication and critical thinking), eliminate absenteeism and facilitate long-term retention of the knowledge and skills acquired in a subject. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Higher education Active learning cooperative learning Project based learning

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations

Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Valencia, Spain, Research Centre PEGASO, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Valencia, Spain

Department of Geodynamics, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Department of Geotechnical Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Valencia, Spain

Department of Hydraulic Engineering and Environment, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Valencia, Spain

Funding & Acknowledgements

Universitat Politècnica de València, UPV

This research received no external funding. The authors fully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Department of Geological and Geotechnical Engineering of the UPV.

UK Research and Innovation, UKRI

Grant: 103608

This research received no external funding. The authors fully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Department of Geological and Geotechnical Engineering of the UPV.

UK Research and Innovation, UKRI

This research received no external funding. The authors fully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Department of Geological and Geotechnical Engineering of the UPV.

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Combining project based learning and cooperative learning strategies in a geotechnical engineering course

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