Abstract:

This study presents an application of cooperative learning from the methodological point of view and under the tenets of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The project is driven by a vocation for innovation in the learning process that enables students to take responsibility for their own learning and, by unifying objectives, for that of their peers. This aim requires modification to the way the course is approached, as well as reorganization of classroom tasks to create an interactive space. The interest of this project lies in the cooperative working techniques introduced within and outside the classroom. Thus, among other organizational strategies, team working is proposed as a dynamic tool for working on skills development. Results of applying the Aronson Puzzle Technique show that the learning process is better consolidated, students' motivation is strengthened and their co-responsibility is enhanced following the cooperative learning experience. Applying new techniques that do not clearly respond to the standard methodology profile in the Spanish university environment undoubtedly remains a big challenge, but we believe we must be aware that higher education is undergoing a profound process of change based on continuous improvement and on the introduction of new resources to make the learning process more effective.

Keywords:

Active learning, cooperative working, Aronson Puzzle Technique.