Feira Internacional de Gastronomia: potencialidades da aprendizagem baseada em projetos “mãos na massa”

Abstract

The International Gastronomy Fair was an innovative project that gave first-year students on the Restaurant and Catering Management course a practical, interdisciplinary learning experience. The aim was to develop essential skills for the job market, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, research and organisation.

Using the project-based learning methodology, the students worked in groups to organise the fair, from researching and selecting international dishes to preparing, presenting and tasting them. The fair was a success, with the participation of all the students and a great reception from the academic community.

The results of the questionnaire applied to the students indicated that the experience was enriching and useful for their professional development. Most of the students agreed that project-based learning is an effective methodology and that it prepared them better for the labour market.

The project had some limitations, such as the limited budget, the lack of kitchen equipment and time constraints. However, the students overcame these difficulties with creativity and teamwork.

The International Gastronomy Fair was a valuable learning experience for the students, and the project demonstrated that project-based learning is an effective methodology that allows students to develop essential skills for the labour market, as well as promoting interest and commitment in their teaching-learning process.