Abstract:

In addition to learning contents and skills, university students develop gradually general and transversal competencies during their training period. That development can be further enhanced by using some teaching and learning methodologies. In this study the effectiveness of debate, as a learning methodology to develop students´ skills, is analyzed and assessed. For this purpose, a questionnaire of six general and transversal competences, with 41 observed behaviors, has been designed. In order to determine and compare competence profiles, the questionnaire has been filled out by 438 students of the Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, 34 of which have taken part in activities of debating. Results show higher level skills in students who participate in debate activities, as well as a differentiated development in those who have been participating over a longer period. This confirms the hypothesis of effectiveness of university debate as a tool to develop competences.

Keywords:

Debate, learning methodology, general competences development, learning process.