The Effectiveness of Project-based Learning Methodology In An External Commerce Course: A Preliminary Analysis For the Colombian Caribbean Region

Mario Alberto De La Puente, He

Abstract

This research article compares a change of cross-curricular competencies and academic performance of two student groups in a Colombian Caribbean University in which one is implemented the Project-Based Learning Methodology (PBL) and the other the traditional teaching. The purpose of this study was to verify whether a change in the learning methodology improves the academic performance and cross-curricular competencies of a sample of 44 students. Data collection instruments included a diagnostic test, the teacher´s field work, final academic grades and a focus group. It is found that the application of PBL improved students´ academic performance, as well as their cross-curricular competencies increased, in comparison to the non-PBL group regardless of the geographical context.