Competencies associated with Semestre i and its relationship to academic performance

Purpose Currently, higher education institutions are in charge of the complex task of connecting the knowledge that students acquire in the classroom to the requirements of the working world, preparing the students to face complex situations inherent in professional life. For this reason, the Tecnológico de Monterrey has included as part of the training of its students the modality, Semestre i, sustained through the teaching methodology of challenge-based learning. Recognizing this new way of learning, the purpose of this paper is to address the study of four basic constructs: student engagement, teacher–student relationship, teamwork and time management. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory factor analysis was performed on the factors associated with the Semestre i, as well as a correlational analysis between these and the academic achievement of the students in the 2017 August–December period. Findings The results indicate that the four constructs analyzed were potentialized under the modality, Semestre i – time management showing the least difference of the four when compared with the educational experience of students being traditionally taught throughout their semesters. Originality/value Semestre i is an innovative educational proposal where the undergraduate students learn in immersive, real-world contexts by experiencing semester challenges planned for them by the teaching body of the institution. Recognizing this new way of learning, this research addresses the study of four basic constructs: student engagement, teacher–student relationship, teamwork and time management.