Preliminary study on innovations generated by teachers in the practical work of the BA in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Buenos Aires University

In recent decades, social, technological and productive changes are promoting a transformation of the university system. UNESCO proposes innovative methods to improve learning in higher education. Our work is a first innovation in the practical work of the BA in Biological Sciences (UBA). Most innovations are developed from the initiative of individual teachers. We interviewed ten teachers with a range of 10 to 30 years of experience. All of them had implemented innovations with positive results. The innovations were analyzed and classified into three groups and the most relevant priorities mentioned as necessary to improve the quality of teaching were: changes in the structure of practical classes (laboratory and seminars) in the type of activities and cognitive demand, and the promotion of activities that develop skills and competencies in students. In conducting the interviews, teachers also raised some issues identified as obstacles to innovation (eg problems to integrate teaching and research functions). The systematization of innovative experiences at the college level is a crucial first step to generate positive innovations.