Students' perceptions of developing of competences through different innovative methodologies

The aim of this study was to analyze students' perception about the influence that five active teaching-learning methodologies (problem based learning, case study, collaborative study, expert and guided study) have on the development of competences (instrumental, systemic and personal). 280 students enrolled in the Faculty of Education at the University of Leon took part in this study. They studied different subject-matters following each of the active teaching-learning methodologies. The Assessment Questionnaire of General Competences was administered after each methodology in order to assess to what extent students believed they had developed their competences. The findings indicated that the problem based learning methodology promotes greater development of competences than the other ones. Collaborative study is the methodology least capable of promoting the development of the following competences: methodological, linguistics, teamwork, ethical commitment and leadership. The main findings, their implications and limitations are discussed.