REFLEXIVE PRACTICE SEMINARS IN THE PEDAGOGY PRACTICUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BARCELONA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The Practicum of the Pedagogy degree at the University of Barcelona has three compulsory subjects that are coordinated under a logic of progressive immersion in an institution of practicums: Professionalization and Labor Opportunities, Professional Initiation Practicum and External Practicums (PEX). The innovation introduced is part of a consolidated teaching innovation project at the University of Barcelona. Specifically, we present innovations related to the compulsory subject of External Practicums that with a transdisciplinary point of view, opt on the one hand, for the immersion of students in an organization, and on the other hand, for reflective practice sessions between students and college tutors that allow the transfer of knowledge, and a process of reflection on the relationship between theoretical knowledge and experiential knowledge in professional life. Reflective practice sessions follow a thematic approach structured around competencies. METHODS. The evaluation of teaching innovation presented uses a methodology based on a research survey that uses quantitative techniques to collect and analyze information. Three questionnaires address students, the tutor from the institution offering the practicum, and the college tutor, respectively. The sample comes from students and tutors involved in the academic year 2012-2013: 143 students, 15 university teachers, and 45 tutors form the institutions offering the practicums. RESULTS. Among the results the reflective practice sessions are valued for competences development in the External Practicum of the Pedagogy degree. DISCUSSION. The assessment of competencies, especially in the Practicum, is a major challenge. Despite the good psychometric result of the proposed study, there are still some difficulties to overcome, for example regarding the sustainability the method of assessment. The results indicate the need to deepen the relationship between students´ awareness of their level of competence, and the improvement of their safety, self-esteem and their subsequent employability.