Combining Project Based Learning and Cooperative Learning Strategies in a Geotechnical Engineering Course

• Published in: Education sciences Vol. 11; no. 9; pp. 467 - 482
• Main Authors: Torrijo, Francisco Javier, Garzón-Roca, Julio, Cobos, Guillermo, Eguibar, Miguel Ángel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 2021
• Subjects: Absenteeism; Active Learning; Attendance; Civil Engineering; College Seniors; Cooperative Learning; Critical thinking; Curricula; Engineering Education; Engineering schools; Foreign Countries; Higher education; Independent study; Knowledge Level; Learner Engagement; Learning Strategies; project based learning; Retention (Psychology); Skill Development; Soft Skills; Student Centered Learning; Student Motivation; Student Projects; Student Satisfaction; Students; Teachers; Teaching; Teaching Methods; Spain (Valencia)
• ISSN: 2227-7102; 2227-7102
• DOI: 10.3390/educsci11090467

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.