Abstract:

Having identified the need to incorporate more active and deeper learning approaches aligned with current professional practice, the teaching team implemented an educational project aimed at fostering greater student autonomy, adaptability to change, informed decision‑making, critical judgement, and competence in information and communication technologies. The project seeks to strengthen students’ professional competence through the acquisition and critical use of technical and scientific information, the development of applied projects in Livestock Production Engineering, and the resolution of real‑world problems using case‑based methodologies. It also promotes teamwork and both oral and written technical communication, encourages the dissemination of results through digital tools, and enhances autonomy and motivation in the learning process. To achieve these goals, several methodologies were applied, including partially flipped lectures, case‑based learning, hands‑on practical workshops, collaborative project work using flipped strategies, and self‑assessment quizzes designed to support autonomous study. At the end of the project, a questionnaire was administered to gather students’ perceptions. The results revealed notable differences between students’ and teachers’ perspectives. Students reported higher motivation and satisfaction with activities involving gamification and communication technologies, particularly those offering immediate feedback, such as quizzes and fieldwork. Conversely, they expressed lower satisfaction with teamwork, citing unequal levels of engagement among group members. From the teaching staff’s broader perspective on the competencies embedded in each activity, teamwork remains essential, as it develops transversal skills such as social interaction, communication, and planning. Nevertheless, adjustments are needed to increase student engagement, including more frequent monitoring throughout the course.

Keywords:

Student engagement, Professional competence, Deep learning, Agri-food engineering education.