Abstract:

In this work we analyze a new learning method used in the department of building at the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Learning Based on Problems (LBP) is a methodology based on learning and the investigation and reasoning that the students follow to find a solution to a problem raised by the teacher. Generally, inside the educational process, the teacher explains part of the material and, immediately, he proposes to the students an activity of application to the mentioned contents. Nevertheless, the LBP appears to be a way that the students can obtain this knowledge and apply it to solve a real or fictitious problem, without teachers using the magisterial lesson or another method to transmit this material.
We can define the LBP as "a method of learning based on the principle of using problems as a starting point for the acquisition and integration of the new knowledge". In this methodology the protagonists of the learning are the students who assume the responsibility of being an active part in the process.
The learning based on problems represents an effective and flexible strategy that, from what the students do, can improve the quality of their university learning in very diverse aspects. In this way, the LBP helps the student to develop and work with diverse abilities with which we can stand out:
• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Teamwork
• Communication skills (argumentation and presentation of the information)
• Development of attitudes and values: precision, review, tolerance …
Besides the aforementioned and as a complement to all of it, we can say that the LBP favors the development of skills such as the search and treatment of information. In addition, it develops the skills of investigation since the students, in the learning process, have to investigate and understand a problem and achieve a solution.

Keywords:

Interactive learning, problems resolution.