The experience takes place in the basic programming of computers subject, with a universe of 300 students each semester. The subject receives students of different areas involving engineering, each one with diverses profiles that makes them closer or far from the themes checked. This is the reason that induces different levels of motivation or disposition to the learning process resulting in low performance and high desertion to the subject. In this context, the principal problem to face with the experience is the lack of motivation and interest to the subject by students. It was designed a practical activity which joined presencial work in the laboratory and self-governing work from the student, like investigation and feedback. The activity is presented as a learning process, in which it is expected that the students consolidate their knowledge and strengthening the development of their competence in each activity of the process. The activity is considered successful, because it was evidenced that the motivation in students was better, so as the learning process, through the changes done in the teaching methodology.