Active methodologies and formative assessment: experience report in a Library Science course

Abstract

Introduction: This article presents a report on a teaching experience in the Library Science program at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), during the second semester of 2024, in the course "The School Library and Special Users." Throughout the semester, various practical activities were carried out, such as seminars, discussion forums, technical visits, and intervention projects, which encouraged active student participation and collaborative knowledge construction. Objective: To report the teaching experience in a course that adopted active methodologies and formative assessment as strategies to promote student engagement, meaningful learning, and student retention. Methodology: The report is characterized as a qualitative and descriptive study. It describes the characteristics, stages, resources used, and the teaching practices implemented in the course. Additionally, student feedback was considered, obtained through a course evaluation questionnaire. Results: The experience showed that the use of dynamic pedagogical practices based on real challenges contributed to critical thinking, the strengthening of teamwork, and increased student interest in the topics addressed. Conclusion: It is concluded that small methodological changes can have a significant impact on student commitment, and it is hoped that this report will inspire similar initiatives, contributing to the improvement of teaching practices in higher education.