Automation Laboratory of Electric Systems: Active Learning Environment Practices and Experience

The Electric Systems Automation Laboratory is a subject offered for classes of forty undergraduate students of the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo and it aims to familiarize students with the automation and protection of power and industrial electric systems, involving theory and practice in an active learning environment. This learning model seeks to develop students' critical thinking and is characterized by the application of methods such as Problem Based Learning and Project Based Learning, among others. In this scenario, the main objective of this paper is to report the experiences acquired by the professors while developing the subject. It also describes the activities developed by the students in the context of the subject and the laboratory infrastructure used, which is similar to the ones found in the industry. Finally, it shows the results of the students' opinion, obtained through the application of questionnaires.