Strategies for motivation and integration in the first year of university: Innovation through problem solving and collaborative work

Abstract

Students who begin university studies generally have some characteristics (lack of habits and skills) which can often be an obstacle for their development in a different field and with other teaching and learning patterns, but there are two elements that can contribute positively in this process: motivation and integration of what is learned in different subjects. In this article we describe the strategy developed in a first course in Computer Programming, based on solving engineering problems, where students work with the problem throughout the year, with a project organized in stages. While the ultimate goal is to develop a computer application, they must work in the searching of extracurricular information, resignifying the learning of different subjects, building tools that are useful for other students.