PRÁTICAS DE PROGRAMAÇÃO E MODELAGEM NA FORMAÇÃO INICIAL DE ALUNOS DO CURSO DE ENGENHARIA COMPUTACIONAL: UMA APLICAÇÃO DE METODOLOGIAS ATIVAS

Abstract

: In undergraduate programs, especially in the early stages, incoming students often struggle to fully grasp the practical scope of their future professional field, making introductory courses essential for academic integration and leveling. In Computational Engineering, this initial contact occurs through the study of computational modeling, an abstract area that typically generates initial resistance. To mitigate this difficulty, this paper reports the intervention of a tutorial education group that, in partnership with the faculty, applied the principles of Project-Based Learning and peer mentoring in the course. The methodology consisted of structuring practical classes in Python, LaTeX, and communication skills, culminating in the development of a visual simulation final project using cellular automata. Data analysis from the 2024 to 2026 editions demonstrated the effectiveness of the approach, recording an 87.6% student approval rate regarding the initiative's contribution to practical learning. The continuous evaluation process also highlighted the need to readjust the pace of programming classes, generating an action plan focused on reducing cognitive overload and improving future editions of the course.