TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODOLOGIES FOR PRACTICAL ASSIGNMENTS APPLIED TO SMALL GROUPS OF SPANISH TOP-MARK STUDENTS

The incorporation of European universities into the EHEA has made them share a framework in which to develop jointly. This action is part of a higher process called globalization in which the trends marked by technological, economic and industrial development forces universities to play a new role. Individuals and societies will develop successfully only if there is a system of joint professional development. In this context, the skills of teamwork and the use of the English language are fundamental for graduates of EU universities. Teaching in English is one of the challenges that the Spanish university is currently dealing with. The University of Alicante offers, through the groups of High Academic Performance (HAP), part of the teaching of the degrees in English. The main objective of this paper is to show the research carried out on learning methodologies for HAP groups in the field of computer architecture as a case of study. In particular, a project based learning methodology is designed in order to strengthen active participation and teamwork of the students. Moreover, the use of English as the language for teaching and learning the course is, by itself, a breakthrough and a curricular difference competitive advantage that will enable students to compete with certain advantages when they finish the degree. In addition, the promotion of the capacity of effort in the search of solutions that is strengthened in the students has allowed to increase the responsibility in their task of learning. The academic results of this method have been very encouraging, achieving a large number of maximum qualifications.