Research-based learning: Case study for Directed Project in Civil Engineering

In the Directed Project in Civil Engineering Program at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali has been included a course focused on formative research where undergraduate student solves an academic problem typical of the industry using the scientific method under an independent work supervised by a professor. The course does not have a curriculum defined by the program and instead, each professor follows a pedagogical style focused on research, becoming a subject with true academic freedom. The objective of this study is to know the student's perception of research implementation as a central axis in this course. To advance this research, the different students who enrolled in the subject for six semesters were linked. It is concluded that research facilitates teaching, but its use should not be imposed in all courses.