Abstract:

Cooperative work is one of the active methodologies proposed in the higher education new model with the aim of training the student in a set of skills that are considered key to career development, that is, interpersonal skills, and teamwork. Indeed, group learning facilitates the exchange of knowledge and experience among students and creates a special atmosphere in which all members are committed to the task or group decision making.

In this context, recent literature suggests the discussion group as a methodology that provides significant benefits to students, among which we can find not only teamwork but also the ability to reflect, understand a topic, listen to the others, be empathetic and able to express ideas. In short, a teaching methodology that contributes to motivation, involvement and student participation in the teaching-learning process. However, there are few empirical studies that support these recommendations.

In this paper, we analyze the effect of using the focus group methodology in student learning by focusing the study in the knowledge area of marketing. The results reveal that students who undergo this teaching method have a higher level of knowledge on the subject that those who have not been exposed to this methodology, which translates into better academic result or learning.

Keywords:

Focus group, Teaching innovation methodology, Higher education, Undergraduate students.