Experiencias en la enseñanza experimental basada en competencias

Abstract

Future professionals for chemistry and chemical engineering careers require training to help them deal with and solve problems as well as producing and innovating technology with skills-based training to lead, communicate and work cooperatively. These skills can be achieved through the development of Competencies. The authors consider that Competencies relate to practical learning experiences that are associated with knowledge and that together produce an observable measurable result, which can be displayed physically or as a behavior associated to the activities of a profession. This paper shows that Competencies development has the potential to prepare better professionals, since it is based on elements of constructivist, collaborative work and self-directed study. Along a semester, students were evaluated considering the concepts that define Competencies: to have and build useful knowledge, develop skills for planning, organizing, performing and self-criticizing research work, and to develop skills in handling laboratory instruments, in oral and written communication, as well as showing positive attitudes in collaborative work, support and teamwork. As a result of the Competency-based educational planning, students were encouraged to get involved actively in the development of learning strategies and were also responsible for the way they construct their own knowledge to direct their learning.