Abstract:

This initiative addresses the identification and remediation of essential threshold concepts lacking in senior undergraduate students, hindering their performance in academic and professional projects, including final degree or master's projects. The goal is to pinpoint these limiting threshold concepts, analyze teacher-student communication regarding expectations and evaluation methodologies, and design interventions to help students acquire these concepts.

Thirteen faculty members from various disciplines, primarily in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Design and Product Development Engineering, and Business Administration, are initially involved in this 24-month project. The project unfolds in three phases: analyzing the current situation, defining proposals, and implementing a pilot program.

The Bologna Process has resulted in the neglect of crucial threshold concepts necessary for students' success in academic and early professional activities. While subjects in these programs cover theoretical and practical concepts, the lack of fundamental skills, such as effective written communication, clear goal definition, and proper citation, becomes evident in the final stages of education. This project aims to address these gaps by developing interventions to improve students' understanding and application of essential concepts.

The project involves a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature, existing teaching materials, and course guides. It includes the identification of threshold concepts, the design of instructional materials, and the implementation of a pilot program to evaluate their effectiveness. The impact is expected to enhance students' self-learning, improve communication between faculty and students, and ultimately better prepare graduates for their professional endeavors. The interdisciplinary nature of the project fosters collaboration among faculty from different disciplines, promoting synergies and improving overall coordination within the educational programs.

Keywords:

Threshold Concept, Academic and Professional Skills, Teacher-Student Communication, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Higher Education Innovation.