The case method: study of a corrosion problem

Abstract

[EN] The aim of the present work is the application of the case method as teaching-learning methodology for the study of a corrosion problem, in order to obtain more active learning of the student. The educational innovation has been applied in 2018/2019 academic year in the subject of “Manufacturing Processes of Building Materials” imparted in the fourth course of the Chemical Engineering Degree in the Higher Technical School of Industrial Engineering in the Polytechnic University of Valencia. Such educational innovation consists in the description by the lecturer of a real situation about a corrosion problem, so that the students can analyse it and propose solutions individually and in group. At the end of the case it is added questions to help to the students in the analysis. This activity is realized in class, which is evaluated using a rubric. The evaluation of the educational innovation proposed is realized by the scores of the students, the polls of the students, and the autoevaluation of the lecturer. The results show the high scores obtained by the students in the case method and the high grade of satisfaction of the students after applying the educational innovation. The case method permits that the students know real situations that they could find in a professional future, which increase the motivation towards the subject of study.