Abstract:

As Medina (2008) points out, contrary to the belief that the role of the teacher in participatory methodologies is mainly passive, it should focus on fostering reflexive group processes through strategies which make the task easier for future teachers to use their own beliefs as the object of analysis. In this vein, Delgado (1991) states that the role of the teacher in those classes in which the main aim is to foster active participation in the teaching and learning process is that of promoting activities where debate, criticism or cooperation are stimulated, topics of social interest to do with the surroundings are incorporated, and the group is provided with clear preliminary information concerning what they will be dealing with, offering guidelines for the tasks to be done in groups and helping to solve doubts. The methodological strategies which have been developed throughout the classes, both theoretical and practical, are the following: mentored tasks, debates, group discussions, oral presentations delivered by the students, master classes, design of concept maps in groups, and learning through research. In this work we present self-assessments handed in by students as they carried out autonomous and mentored tasks in groups, and the relationship between their learning experiences and the degree of acquisition of general competences. A total of 40 third- and fourth-year students of the Degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences have taken part. Assessment was grouped in four sections: learning self-perception, group dynamics, teaching methodology and competences acquired. A correlation analysis was applied to the variables of student self-assessment and the degree of acquisition of competences with the tasks. Learning self-perception variables show a significant correlation with competences such as the capacity to work on a team, learning to learn, creativity and excellence. As regards group dynamics, a significant correlation is attested for the competence of teamwork.

Keywords:

Active methodologies, competences, self-assessment.