Research competence in post-compulsory secondary education (baccalaureate)

Abstract

Research competence is a crucial cross-cutting skill in the baccalaureate stage (post-compulsory secondary education), which is specifically developed and assessed in subjects such as “Research Project,” taught in Catalonia and other Spanish autonomous communities. The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of both baccalaureate students and teaching staff regarding the development of cross-cutting and specific research competencies through Research Project. To achieve this a research approach was carried out, which included the application of an ad-hoc questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The research sample comprised 1496 baccalaureate students from Catalonia and 15 teaching staff members who were tutors for Research Project. Among the most relevant findings, the alignment in the perception of both groups stands out. Both students and teachers primarily identify the development of competencies related to information search, critical thinking, and self-learning. However, students show a greater disagreement regarding the development of skills such as creativity, leadership, and decision-making. These results suggest that Research Project represents a valuable opportunity to foster the development of research competence. However, it is emphasized the importance of promoting this competence in a cross-cutting manner, both in the work carried out in the various curricular areas of baccalaureate and in prior education throughout secondary education.