Use of Active Methodologies in Basic Education: An Umbrella Review

Abstract

Active methodologies are consolidated as a key trend in education for the competence development of students at all educational stages, due to the academic, social, personal, and professional benefits that their implementation in the classroom provides. The profusion of systematic reviews on different types of active methodologies in recent years provides a high level of accumulated evidence. Therefore, a review of reviews allows comparing and contrasting different studies, offering a comprehensive perspective on their impact on Basic Education (Primary and Secondary Education). This study carries out an umbrella review through a qualitative systematic analysis using WoS, Scopus, and Dialnet databases. Reviews carried out in the last six years on the use of different active methodologies have been analysed, obtaining a total of 33 final references. The findings indicate that general research on active methodologies in Basic Education is limited, and these have a positive impact on students with favorable effects on their academic performance and comprehensive development. Despite their relevance, passive and directive methodologies remain predominant. Furthermore, the need for teacher training for effective implementation of active methodologies in the classroom is highlighted.