Resumen de 21st Century Higher Education: A Shift Towards Feasible Graduate Employment

M. Aznar, A. Mínguez, L.C. Pires

• The impact of the European economic crisis that recently stroke us all, together with the 21st century concept of industry, are key factors to reveal that higher education institutions must evolve with the new times and adapt their curricula to the present market needs. It is here where teaching methodologies must ensure that students are provided with the required tools to acquire those competences demanded by the new society. We advocate the use of Project-Based Learning, since we strongly believe that its practical learning side is the best way to assist students in acquiring both contents and skills. In order to evidence this claim, an example of best practice will be presented below relating to Mechanical Engineering students. The outcomes can be summarised here as an increase in motivation among all the parties involved in the project work.