A teaching methodology for the real-time assessment of students’ competencies related to manufacturing subjects using technology based on electronic devices

Abstract Tools to encourage active participation and interaction between students and teachers through personal response systems have been incorporated into the educational arena in recent years. In this sense, this paper shows a teaching methodology used at the University of Extremadura to assess students’ competencies in real time in the area of Manufacturing Engineering, using a teaching tool called Socrative. The methodology was applied in the technical subjects and involved students from the School of Industrial Engineering (Badajoz) and the University Centre of Merida (UCM). The primary objective was to assess the specific competencies in the area of Manufacturing Engineering and ascertain the most relevant cross-sectional competencies students need to acquire in these subjects, which must also be assessed. The results reveal that students improve their skills and abilities, as well as their interest in the essential contents of the curriculum and show great satisfaction with the introduction of this type of activity as a complement to the classes. Finally, it should be pointed out that these methodologies, although they have resulted in improved results in the teaching-learning process in the subjects related with manufacturing engineering, require a considerable effort of coordination on the part of teachers.