Learning and Service in the retention of engineering students

Abstract

Service-Learning is considered a teaching methodology that favors the participation of students, placing them in the leading or main role to build their own learning. The aim of this paper is to know and to analyze the perception of students and professors regarding how the application of Service-Learning affects the permanence of students of the first training cycle in computing and informatics degrees. A mixed research method has been used, with a predominance of the qualitative approach, using a convenience sample of 10 professors and 49 students from two engineering colleges in Chile. In addition, a total of 6 experts on Servie-learning also participated. The results obtained, from self-administered questionnaires and surveys, and processed were using the Atlas.Ti software, showed that SL has an effective and positive impact on student performance. Finally, the authors conclude that it is necessary to implement innovative, participatory learning proposals that combine theory and practice, that achieve significant learning in the student, that link them to environmental problems and develop a greater social sense.