General Chemistry in the development of experimental skills in the Mechanical Engineering major (Original)

Abstract

The development of experimental skills in undergraduate studies occupies a prominent place in the professional model for the Mechanical Engineering major. The subject General Chemistry possesses potentials for the professional to acquire the necessary practical skills that enable him to solve professional problems. This paper presents the experience of a group of teachers in the design of a system of experimental skills departing from the experimental activities of this subject, with the corresponding operationalization and evaluation suggestions. Theoretical and empirical research methods were used, among which observation, analysis and synthesis and interviews stand out.  The educational experience demonstrated the relevance and feasibility of its use through a pedagogical experiment, by achieving in the students transformations related to the motivation for the solution of professional problems and higher quality in the learning of the discipline, as well as the elevation of the results in the development of experimental skills. It also contributed to the theoretical and methodological preparation of teachers.