A hybrid strategy to develop real-life competences combining flipped classroom, jigsaw method and project-based learning

ABSTRACT

The professional profiles of future scientists need to undergo a deep and rapid change to address recent advances in biomedical sciences and the social and environmental contexts in which we currently live. For instance, they have to be trained to be able to develop innovative and creative strategies for solving complex problems under a responsible research and innovation (RRI) perspective. Training these competencies should start during higher education. We propose a hybrid activity combining flipped classroom, project-based learning, and the jigsaw technique to employ transversal skills in a complex and real-world context. We found that this combination motivates students’ self-learning processes overall, with the development of competencies such as creativity, teamwork, and oral communication. Further, it trains them for the real-world challenges they might face in their future professional careers. Notably, the combined activity increases both motivation and acquisition of knowledge needed to pass the subject more than the conventional learning. Introduction of the hybrid activity also allows the students to develop competencies that are not otherwise trained in classical approaches, including linking concepts from different subjects, creativity, and critical thinking.

KEYWORDS:

• Active learning
• creativity
• flipped classroom
• project-based learning
• responsible research and innovation
• transversal skills

Acknowledgments

We thank all students who participated in this study, filled out the questionnaire, and shared their beliefs and opinions about this pedagogical approach.

Disclosure statement

The authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The project has been funded by CLIK (Center for Learning Innovation and Knowledge) at Pompeu Fabra University.