Abstract:

The implementation of the Bologna Declaration system has led to changes in the teaching methods in the Spanish University. Within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), the Professor must become a guide for the students that provides them with the tools necessaries so they can learn in an autonomous way.

In this context, we implemented a global learning strategy for Toxicology students that we estimated that would allow them to learn how to combine the knowledge they acquire in several subjects. Using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) tools, the students answered, both in class and at home, questions that required them to integrate the knowledge of the toxicology lessons and that of several other subjects they had studied. After the sessions had finished the students answered a survey on their impressions from the course. This survey included question on their motivation and on the ease of learning with this method.

From the survey data we can conclude that most students were more motivated and felt they learned and understood more using this method. Besides, comparing the mean grades with that of the previous academic year, we found that grades significantly improved. So, this experience leads us to believe that use of methodologies that improve motivation may lead to improvement in academic performance and that multidisciplinary strategies may help students learn in a more effective way. Further experiences must be performed to corroborate our conclusion.

Keywords:

EHEA, global learning, ICT, Toxicology.