STRATEGIES TOWARD COLLABORATIVE LEARNING IN THE SUBJECT OF SPANISH ECONOMICS

The main objective of this study is to analyse the results obtained from applying a method based on collaborative learning in the higher education. Specifically it analyses the impact that work based on cooperative action groups has on the level of regular class attendance, final examination attendance and academic results. This methodology has been applied to the practical classes of the subject of Spanish Economics which was taught in the second year of the Economics Undergraduate Degree at the University of Alicante for the three academic years 2008-2009, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. This study will consist of a preliminary analysis of the cooperative action groups and an explanation of how they have been implemented in the above-mentioned subject. Subsequently, the major results obtained from this analysis will be presented. The main conclusion is the favourable evaluation of teaching methodologies that involve the active participation of students and a continuous assessment system in which the academic achievement of the student does not depend on the final examination alone. This study confirms that this methodology motivates the student to continually follow the subject, attend the classes regularly and sit the final examination. The interest shown in the subject is reflected in the final results of the students which have improved substantially.