The contribution of the active methodologies and the information and communication technologies for teaching and learning business Spanish

Abstract

This paper presents how the combination of both the active methodologies and the information and communication technologies (ICT) constitutes effective procedures and tools for teaching and learning business Spanish. The theoretical concepts reviewed are the framework of the activity implemented, which main aim was to verify the proposed assumption. In addition, it was also suggested to test the development of the communicative and digital competences of the students that were involved, as well as the necessary abilities to work cooperatively. The participants were 36 individuals, divided into two groups, who studied Spanish as a foreign language and Business and Finance at an educational centre in the USA. Each group used a different active methodology, the case study method and the project-based learning, and digital tools. The research had both a mixed method design, quantitative and qualitative, and a quasiexperimental one. An assessment rubric and an observation sheet were used in order to analise the results, which validated the hypothesis and the objectives of the study. It is therefore concluded that the interaction, participation and skills stimulated during the didactic performance with the active methodologies and the ICT tools implemented and the motivation derived from this process achieve and improve the significant learning of business Spanish.