The application of new teaching methodologies: experience in actual situations

The objective of this project is to contribute to the development of the student skills of the degree of Agrofood Engineering. In order to do so work was carried out based on an actual professional project adapted to the characteristics of a specific human group: preschool children. The project proposed covered the designing, running, and analysis of data. To guide the process of the carrying out of the project different methodologies were used: master classes, laboratory exercises, discussion forums, oral presentation sessions led by the students, and the writing of technical reports. Assessment was carried out by means of various instruments in accordance with the methodology used: development tests, objective tests, observation scales, and marking templates. Satisfaction questionnaires were used to find out the level of acceptance of the project proposed. The project was carried out for two consecutive academic years. The results show an improvement in the acquiring of knowledge and the development of skills of the students. It was however observed that these improvements are strongly influenced by the students' level of engagement. All those involved expressed a high level of satisfaction with the project.