Abstract:

In the last years, due to the increase of implementation of Quality Systems in medium size industrial companies and of the technical requirements of the clients, the roll of applied technical work in the field of metrology has increased. When applying for a job, it is quite frequent to be questioned about practical skills in this area. In order to respond to this need, in the Polythenic Scholl of Engineers of San Sebastián (University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU) a subject called “Applied Metrology- metrotécnia” is offered corresponding to the degree of Mechanical Engineering.
In different areas of technical education, it is very usual to find a reduced attendance at “theoretical” and “laboratory” sessions, as well as low participation in virtual meeting. This lead to decrease student academic performance. Therefore, it seems reasonable that the education-learning techniques should be adapted to the present situation in order to optimize learning prioritizing the development of practical skills and the student´s leaning process.
This paper describes the methodology used both in “theoretical” classes and laboratory session. The subject last 6 credits half of them are held in laboratory of metrology equipped with the most common and used measure instruments. Among these, some active learning methodologies used are explain, such us cooperative work, participative lectures, activities with deliverables in classroom. Apart from specific skills, transversal competences were also considered the changes required by the adaptation to the European Space for Higher Education (ESHE).
This experience can be useful for students as it contributes to visualize easily the applicability and use if the theoretical contents, improving thereby motivation and learning in their future skills and competencies as engineers. The evaluation process was changed accordingly, giving more emphasis to the formative assessment

Keywords:

Practical skills, cooperative work, motivation.