How to promote critical thinking through the Final Degree Project

de Gispert, C. y Díaz, A. (2024). How to promote critical thinking through the Final Degree Project. 18th International Technology, Education and Development Conference INTED Proceedings. International Academy of Technology, Education and Development (IATED), pp. 6459 - 6465.

The Final Degree Project (FDP) in the Degree in Economics is an additional subject. It is also a tool to comprehensively evaluate student learning, both in knowledge and in the different skills to practice the profession. The reality shows that many students have considerable difficulties in facing the realization of the FDP, as they do not always have these skills sufficiently developed.  

The Public Economics Department offers three independent but complementary courses. Public Finance (expenditure policies) is completed in the second semester of the 2nd year; Tax System is taught in the first semester of the third year; finally, Regional and Local Finance is also taught in the third year but in the second semester. This three-semester period is a great opportunity to supervise students and encourage critical thinking and creativity in their learning, habits that require dedication and constant work.   

Through the teaching, work and monitoring of the same group of students over three semesters, the aim is to create the right environment for critical thinking. With a double purpose: to relate the contents of the three subjects involved under a greater coordination; to encourage students to start thinking and preparing the final degree project, with time and in a more conscious way.