Innovative Pedagogical Practices: A Longitudinal Study Conducted at the ESE of Fafe, Portugal

Abstract

Interdisciplinary project-based learning carried out in a real-world context is an ideal educational models for the goals of twenty-first-century education. Our study aimed to present the results of an innovative interdisciplinary pedagogical practice. In order to accomplish this project, an interdisciplinary strategy was induced from the beginning of the course, articulated in eight curricular units during the three years of the course and materialized in the last year in the discipline of Initiation to Professional Practice 2. The sample was composed of 31 students registered in the Physical Education and Sport course of the Higher School of Education of Fafe, Portugal (course of 2016-2019). The main results demonstrate the clear increase in motivation for the acquisition of the taught contents. Students were highly motivated and clearly perceived the usefulness of all the knowledge and skills they acquire in the different subjects, throughout the three years, not only for the accomplishment of the project but also for their professional future, personal life, and to continue their studies.