A Novel Model of Challenge-Based Learning for the Development of Skills of the Future

One of the growing problems faced by small, medium, and large companies worldwide is finding human resources with the necessary skills. Employers have already set a warning signal for higher education institutions to prepare their graduates with today's and future skills. Several didactic schemes have been tested within Experiential Education that require students to be exposed to natural and multidisciplinary problematic situations, where they develop disciplinary and transversal competencies. In higher education, challenge-based learning (CBL) has been the most popular teaching technique for training the most competitive professionals. Here, we analyze the implementation of a novel CBL system using several training partners (companies) in a multi-challenge experience that requires discipline, communication, and knowledge transfer between the actors of the experience. Our results indicate that competencies can be developed in different challenges simultaneously in the same group and with several training partners. Attention was paid to the competencies to be developed and the knowledge to be disseminated. On the other hand, experimental planning was carried out by mentors and expert staff from the training partners. Finally, the evaluation was carried out with a strict competency development rubric. Questionnaires given to students at the end of the experience suggest that replicating this experience in their careers will help them become more competitive. Here, we report a scheme that establishes a new model in CBL, where a course is not only governed by a particular challenge, but through the resolution of more than one challenge within the group, the discussion is enriched, and all topics are strengthened and the designated developed competencies.