Criando Startups a Partir de Aprendizagem Baseada em Projetos na Disciplina “ZMV1386 - Biologia Molecular: Desenvolvendo Projetos”

Previous research has highlighted the necessity of enhancing the teaching-learning process, given the demand for a workforce that is proficient in formulating problem-solving strategies. The course in which the current didactic-pedagogical project was applied follows a project-based learning (PBL) approach, wherein students identify a problem within their area of ​​interest and formulate strategies to address it. With the goal of adapting this approach to real-world market conditions, the present proposal was conceived, focusing on simulating the establishment of startups based on developed projects. To achieve this, students initiate the activity by delineating the central problem that the company aims to solve, along with assigning a name to the startup, followed by the allocation of roles, strategic planning and resource identification, a recap of activities based on molecular technologies, projection of tasks for the upcoming semester, and specification of expected outcomes and limitations. In the last class of the course, projects completed over the semester were presented. Remarkable student engagement was observed in the startup simulation, encompassing the creation of websites, slogans, and logos to captivate the end consumer of the product or service. Additionally, an electronic survey was conducted to understand the students’ opinions, and the outcomes served to validate the success of the proposal. These findings further support the idea that active teaching methodologies have the potential to enhance the development of student skills toward problem solving within their future areas of activity.