NEW TEACHING-LEARNING METHODOLOGIES APPLIED TO THE SUBJECT “INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS” FOR CHEMICAL ENGINEERS AT THE URJC: THE PROJECT METHOD WITHIN THE EHEA

The Project Method is a very useful tool for the teaching-learning process in scientific degrees within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The use of this educational technique, is based on the student initiative and creativity, and is a very interesting method that leads to better results in the problem-solving.
Using the Project Method, the students improve their capacity for analysis, synthesis and evaluation in the elaboration of the project [1]. This methodology develops also the decision making, leading to a complete student formation. In addition, this didactic strategy unifies the theoretical and the applied learning, favouring the student ability to work autonomously, as well as its active participation in the different activities of the subject.
The main target of this communication is the proposal of new activities based on the Project Method for their application in the subject “Instrumental Analysis” for the second year students of Chemical Engineer at the Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC).

The Project Method proposal for this subject will describe:

• The generic and specific competences that the students will acquire with this methodology.
• The organization of the student groups, working plan and project topics.
• The task distribution and proposed activities for the correct elaboration of the project.
• The project presentation.
• The evaluation process.

With this educational methodology, the teaching-learning process is supposed to provide important advantages in the student formation, trying to stimulate the autonomy and communication skills, as well as the teamwork [2].

References:
[1] Huber, G. (2008). Aprendizaje activo y metodologías participativas. Revista de Educación, pp. 59-81.
[2] Kilpatrick, J. (1997). The project method in marketing education. In Pride, W.M. and Hult, G.T.M. (Editors), Enhancing knowledge development in marketing. Chicago: American Marketing Association.