This innovation project aims to extend and refine the New Model for Information Recording and Processing (NMRPI), previously implemented in experimental science subjects at the university level. The project responds to a concerning trend observed in engineering degrees: a decline in the final academic performance of students, particularly during the early years of their programs. This decline appears to be closely linked to their difficulties in effectively capturing and processing the information presented in class.

The project is based on the central hypothesis that academic performance may be enhanced by providing students with appropriate tools and methodologies to improve their note-taking and information-processing abilities. To address this, it integrates a structured approach using a customized template inspired by the Cornell note-taking method, adapted to ensure accessibility and effective visual organization. The NMRPI is further supported by audiovisual materials that provide step-by-step examples of its application in practical problem-solving.

It was applied for certain academic subjects at the University of Valladolid (Spain), comparing an experimental group—using the NMRPI—with a control group following conventional information recording. Students complete initial and final diagnostic questionnaires, while professors review note-taking progress and provide feedback. The project spans a full academic year and is organized into six phases: identifying needs and assessing baseline knowledge, assigning groups and introducing the method, implementing NMRPI during two semesters, analyzing intermediate results, refining materials, and conducting a final evaluation. By the end of the project, it is expected that students in the experimental group will achieve an average grade increase of at least 0.75 points (on a 10-point scale) compared to the control group.

Expected deliverables include improved and accessible versions of the NMRPI template, audiovisual learning capsules, and a repository of solved examples aligned with the methodology. Beyond academic performance, the project aims to promote active learning habits and reduce reliance on rote memorization. The participation of approximately 200 students and collaboration among faculty from multiple departments ensures the scalability and relevance of the method in higher education STEM contexts. Preliminary results, currently under analysis, support these expectations and reinforce the initial hypothesis regarding the positive impact of the intervention, thus confirming the utility and suitability of the method for specific case-based learning scenarios.

Keywords: Note-taking, academic performance, artificial intelligence, active learning, experimental sciences, NMRPI, higher education, instructional innovation.