PROJECT-BASED LEARNING AS AN ACTIVE TEACHING METHOD IN EUROPEAN HIGHER EDUCATION AREA: AN EXPERIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION STUDIES

European Higher Education Area (EHEA) implies a new way of planning and organizing the teaching-learning process. The active roles of students in their own learning process, the autonomous learning or the collaborative work are some of the principles in the new space of education in Europe. In this scenario, a change in teaching methods will be necessary. One of the teaching methods that promotes these principles is the Project-Based Learning (PBL). This method engages students in learning knowledge and skills through an extended inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products and tasks.
This paper aims to show the use of PBL as a tool for continuous improving of the teaching practise in the EHEA. Specifically, we present the results of an educational improvement project carried out with undergraduated business students of a Spanish public university (Universitat Jaume I). PBL has allowed us to promote their entrepeneurship and ethic competences. The use of active methodologies based on student learning therefore supports students in learning and practicing skills in problem solving, communication, and self-management.