Guided laboratory and research projects to develop higher-order thinking skills.

Abstract

The aim of this project is to determine the relationships between some pedagogic strategies implemented by the professors of academic programs during the basic cycle and their positive effect on learning and developing scientific skills like: identification of scientific questions, scientific explanation of phenomena, utilization of scientific evidences, transference, heuristics and argumentation. A hermeneutic method was implemented in order to comprehend and interpret the educational phenomenon from students and professor’s perspectives; in addition to this, it was given a qualitative management of data related to basic conceptual categories such as: scientific competences, implementation of transference and heuristic strategies, research writing and argumentation. As a result of this, it was found that a guided use of laboratories and a guided research project develop an autonomous and productive way of thinking.