Las tutorías y grupos de trabajo como instrumentos de realización de las clases prácticas. Estudio de caso: las asignaturas de formación básica en el Grado en Derecho

Resumen

Since the implementation at the Spanish Universities of the European Higher Education, teaching of the various subjects is necessarily divided between theory and practice. The proper teaching of the latter has forced teachers to search for the most appropriate teaching techniques for their correct development, especially in subjects in which traditionally teaching was more theoretical. This paper reflects a new way of providing these practical classes, tested by three teachers who teach basic trainig subjects in Law at the University of Salamanca. Persuaded of this need and due to barely satisfactory results in relation to the participation of students in classes and in relation to the final results obtained in previous courses, we considered the articulation of a teaching innovation project, which has obtained financial support from the University of Salamanca. The methodology has consisted of the formation of working groups with a student in charge and with a task which they should carry; tutorials; oral exposures in order to discuss provisional outcomes; and, at the end of the course, the celebration of a Symposium in which each work group has presented its project. According to surveys, outcomes in relation to the articulation and development of the practices, their assistance, and the skills adquired by the students, have been broadly satisfactory. Consequently, this teaching experience has served to encourage student participation and to improve their grades.