Case study and cooperative learning in the university

Designing syllabuses according to how competences develop demands major methodological  changes. The case method is one of the most suitable teaching and learning strategies that can be  used to develop competences geared towards teamwork and encouraging collaboration. METHOD: Two groups from the second year leading to the Social Education qualification were selected (one  in Basque and the other in Spanish), together with a further two from the same year leading to the  Pedagogy qualification in both languages. Group enabling techniques were used in one of the two degree course groups, while the strategy to be pursued for the case method was developed in the  other group without their help. Students assessed the experience using a group diary. RESULTS:  Data shows that students are satisfied with the learning activities carried out in class, the  competences attached to the qualification are developed satisfactorily, and, generally speaking,  the experimental groups function better than the control groups. The effectiveness of group work  is closely linked to variables of a relational nature. DISCUSSION: Cooperation, help and the  supervision of tasks among group members encourage interaction and a sense of security among students who are experiencing difficulties in achieving learning objectives. Students who feel that  they are being backed up by their group on an academic, affective and relational level are  probably going to find themselves in a more secure, inclusive and cosy working context.