ACQUIRED SKILLS WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW EVALUATION METHODS AT UNIVERSITY REY JUAN CARLOS

Our working group carries out research into new models of evaluation and learning. Our aim has always been to encourage the students to take a more active part in the learning process. In order to obtain this goal we have introduced a system of competence continuous evaluation in different subjects and degrees at the University Rey Juan Carlos: from law and economics to science and engineering. We want to promote autonomous learning of the student, to optimize student efficiency and to reduce academic failure and dropout rates. Our intention has always been to introduce innovative teaching methods which will lead to a constant participation of the student in the development of both teaching and learning aspects. We have analyzed key generic competences such as "teamwork" and "oral and written communication". We have introduced novel systems of evaluation and innovative teaching methodologies employing e-portfolios to maximize efficiency. This paper describes our experiences in continuous assessment systems in different courses taught in the University Rey Juan Carlos in both science and arts degrees. Our intention has always been to introduce innovative teaching and evaluation methods which will lead not only to a constant participation of the student in the development of both teaching and learning aspects but also improve efficiency on part of the teacher. Our final goal is the design of generic systems that facilitate the continuous assessment process for both teachers and students and that can be applied to a wide variety of university courses. This study forms part of the projects led by Sanjiv Prashar and Maria Rosario Martin-Briceno in the Innovation in Education Program of the University Rey Juan Carlos.