Lean Startup as a Learning Methodology for Developing Digital and Research Competencies

Abstract

The acquisition of digital and research competencies for educating university students is a requirement that is becoming more relevant given the demands of today's society. However, learning methodologies used by professors seem to be detached from reality, preventing the development of applicable learning, as well as the acquisition of those skills necessary in the twenty-first century. The main objective of the research is to analyze the Lean Startup method as a learning methodology in the creation of digital and research competencies in students from the UNED Costa Rica during the development of the course: Mixed Methods Research (MMR). The sample consisted of 531 individuals, teachers and students from different degrees of the School of Education from the UNED who took the course during the years 2015 to 2017. A mixed explanatory sequential design was used, with a theoretical part of an exploration of the method, a quantitative part (descriptive analysis and contrast of means) and another qualitative part by means of content analysis. The results showed the effectiveness of an innovative methodology such as Lean Startup in the development of digital and research skills, and the change of the teacher's role in the teaching process.