scholarly journals Critical Thinking Using Project-Based Learning: The Case of The Agroecological Market at the “Universitat Politècnica de València”

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 3553
Author(s):  
Pablo Aránguiz ◽  
Guillermo Palau-Salvador ◽  
Ana Belda ◽  
Jordi Peris
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Technical Systems

Higher education institutions play an important role in the transition processes to sustainable development through developing critical thinking (CT) in their students. The case of the Research Methodology course of the International Cooperation Master’s degree at the Universitat Politècnica de València is a paradigmatic case of experiential learning, where students face their own realities related to sustainable topics through an action research project with the Agroecological Market (AM). The learning methodology is project-based learning and helps the participants to deeply analyze problems related to the transition of socio-technical systems, such as sustainable food. The objective of this research was to analyze the contribution of project-based learning to students’ critical thinking through a qualitative analysis of the pedagogical outputs obtained during the course. The analysis and results are structured in three dimensions of critical thinking: (i) students’ critical attitude towards reality; (ii) students’ ability to reason and analyze in order to form their own rigorous judgments; and (iii) students’ capacity to construct and deconstruct their own experiences and meanings. The results show that project-based learning using a real-life scenario helped students reflect on their critical thinking and the challenges that our societies face for a transition to sustainability.

scholarly journals Mechatronics: Experiential Learning and the Stimulation of Thinking Skills

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Maki K. Habib ◽  
Fusaomi Nagata ◽  
Keigo Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Learning Approach ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Experimental Systems

The development of experiential learning methodologies is gaining attention, due to its contributions to enhancing education quality. It focuses on developing competencies, and build-up added values, such as creative and critical thinking skills, with the aim of improving the quality of learning. The interdisciplinary mechatronics field accommodates a coherent interactive concurrent design process that facilitates innovation and develops the desired skills by adopting experiential learning approaches. This educational learning process is motivated by implementation, assessment, and reflections. This requires synergizing cognition, perception, and behavior with experience sharing and evaluation. Furthermore, it is supported by knowledge accumulation. The learning process with active student’s engagement (participation and investigation) is integrated with experimental systems that are developed to facilitate experiential learning supported by properly designed lectures, laboratory experiments, and integrated with course projects. This paper aims to enhance education, learning quality, and contribute to the learning process, while stimulating creative and critical thinking skills. The paper has adopted a student-centered learning approach and focuses on developing training tools to improve the hands-on experience and integrate it with project-based learning. The developed experimental systems have their learning indicators where students acquire knowledge and learn the target skills through involvement in the process. This is inspired by collaborative knowledge sharing, brainstorming, and interactive discussions. The learning outcomes from lectures and laboratory experiments are synergized with the project-based learning approach to yield the desired promising results and exhibit the value of learning. The effectiveness of the developed experimental systems along with the adopted project-based learning approach is demonstrated and evaluated during laboratory sessions supporting different courses at Sanyo-Onoda City University, Yamaguchi, Japan, and at the American University in Cairo.

Exploring the relationship between dispositions to think critically and sustainability concern in HESD

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry Shephard ◽  
Qudsia Kalsoom ◽  
Ritika Gupta ◽  
Lorenz Probst ◽  
Paul Gannon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Higher education is uncertain which sustainability-related education targets should be sought and monitored. Accepting that something needs to be measurable to be systematically improved, the authors explored how measures relate to potential targets. This paper aims to focus on dispositions to think critically (active open-minded thinking and fair-minded thinking in appraising reasoning) as measures and explored how they related to sustainability concern as an indicative educational target. Design/methodology/approach This research included the development and testing of research instruments (scales) that explored dispositions to critical thinking and sustainability concern. Authors researched these instruments within their own correspondence groups and tested them with university students and staff in Pakistan, the USA, Austria, India and New Zealand. The authors also asked a range of contextualising questions. Findings Respondents’ disposition to aspects of active, open-minded thinking and fair-minded thinking do predict their concern about facets of sustainability but their strength of religious belief was an important factor in these relationships and in their measurement. Practical implications This research demonstrates the complexity of monitoring dispositions to think critically and sustainability concern in educational systems, particularly in circumstances where the roles of religious beliefs are of interest; and suggests ways to address this complexity. Originality/value This research integrates and expands discourses on ESD and on critical thinking in diverse disciplines and cultures. It investigates measurement approaches and targets that could help higher education institutions to educate for sustainable development and to monitor their progress, in ways that are compatible with their culture and values.

scholarly journals Participation of students in the project Valorbio

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 244-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dina M.R. Mateus ◽  
Henrique J.O. Pinho ◽  
Isabel M.D.P. Nogueira ◽  
Manuel A.N.H. Rosa ◽  
Marco A.M. Cartaxo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Solid Waste ◽  
Experimental Work ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Modular Systems ◽  
Industrial Sectors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the case of the Valorbio research project, in which students of different high-level programs were involved in the experimental work and in the dissemination of results in collaboration with the research team. Design/methodology/approach The inclusion in higher education curricula of content related to the sustainable development should be a preferred mechanism for the dissemination of good practices of sustainability. Another equally important way to achieve this is to involve students in research projects that seek solutions to the societal challenges related to sustainable growth. The Valorbio project aims to meet the needs for treating and reusing wastewater and solid waste. Its main goal was the development of modular systems for wastewater treatment based on constructed wetlands, exploring the possibility of the treatment systems being composed of solid waste and by-products from significant industrial sectors. Findings The students’ contribution to the research work was relevant and simultaneously allowed them to acquire skills on sustainable development. Additionally, the students contributed to the dissemination of the results. The Valorbio project can thus be considered a successful application of the concept of project-based learning (PBL), as a way to include sustainability issues content in the higher education curricula. Originality/value The applied experimental work had an original approach regarding the equipment design, the waste materials valuation, as well as the integration of waste treatment processes in the circular economy paradigm. This paper is the first reported PBL experience involving students of short-cycle technical–professional programs in partnership with first and second-level students and a research team.

scholarly journals Research as a Base for Sustainable Development of Universities: Using the Delphi Method to Explore Factors Affecting International Publishing among Vietnamese Academic Staff

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 3449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trung Tran ◽  
Thao-Phuong-Thi Trinh ◽  
Cuong-Minh Le ◽  
Linh-Khanh Hoang ◽  
Hiep-Hung Pham
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Doctoral Students ◽  
Delphi Method ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Higher Education System ◽  
International Publishing

In recent years, the Vietnamese government has put significant effort into the internationalization of research in the higher education system via the use of international publications (i.e., publications indexed by citation databases such as ISI Web of Science and Scopus) in evaluating their academic staff and doctoral students. Academic staff in Vietnam, who traditionally have low numbers of international publications, have thus been pushed to improve their competencies in order to meet the new requirements for research productivity. However, we have little understanding of the factors influencing international publication as perceived by Vietnamese academic staff. This study aims to fill the gap by using the Delphi method. Academic staff with at least one international publication were invited, via purposeful sampling, to participate in a two-round Delphi survey. The survey revealed 14 key factors, which were further classified into three dimensions: “policy-related factors,” “capability-related factors,” and “networking-related factors”. These factors were the key determinants in the success of international publishing, according to the study participants. The findings provide implications for policymakers and university leaders for enhancing the research capacities of Vietnamese universities, forming a basis for the sustainable development of the higher education sector in Vietnam.

Online Critical Thinking in Problem-Solving Groups

2011 ◽  
pp. 1348-1356
Author(s):  
Deana L. Molinari ◽  
Alice E. Dupler
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Nursing Education ◽  
Problem Solving ◽  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Group Decision Making ◽  
Collaborative Problem Solving ◽  
Collaborative Problem ◽  
Social Negotiations

There are many different definitions of critical thinking (CT). Some type of the concept is taught in all higher education disciplines. Academia teaches teamwork and critical thinking (Cathcart & Samovar, 1992) because the professional world requires small-group decision making (Jonassen & Kwon, 2001). Critical thinking is taught by precept and practice (Facione, 1995; Wilkinson, 2001; Winningham, 2000). Constructivists recommend dialogue because meaningful discussion enhances experiential learning through social negotiations and reflection (Vrasidas & McIsaac, 1999). Collaborative problem solving is often utilized in nursing education to increase critical thinking (Collis, Andernach, & Van Diepen, 1997; Cragg, 1991; Crooks, Klein, Savenye, & Leader, 1998; Krothe, Pappas, & Adair, 1996).

scholarly journals Sustainable Development Planning: Master’s Based on a Project-Based Learning Approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
pp. 6384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cazorla-Montero ◽  
de los Ríos-Carmenado ◽  
Pasten
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Development Planning ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Staff Perceptions ◽  
Sustainable Rural Development ◽  
Learning Platforms

The educational subject of Sustainable Development Planning in Europe is evolving due to the implementation of the Bologna Agreement across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This paper analyses a project-based learning strategy for training Sustainable Development Planning in postgraduate programs, in Spain (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, UPM). This project-based learning strategy is applied to an International Postgraduate Program for Sustainable Rural Development—Erasmus Mundus, Master’s of Science—with the participation of five European Union universities that formed the Agris Mundus Alliance for Sustainable Development. Using a mixed methods approach, the research examined the program’s implementation through student and staff perceptions, from the technical, behavioral and contextual project management skills. The paper argues that the “Practical Learning platforms” used in the Master’s demonstrate the correct approach of the learning strategy based on teaching–research linked to the professional sphere. The findings that were identified can be categorized as follows: (1) Perspective: holistic thinking and intellectual coherence, defining the contextual skills that must be navigated within and across the broader environment, (2) Practice: experiential learning by reconnecting to real-life situations, and (3) People: Personal and interpersonal skills required to succeed in sustainable projects, programs and portfolios. Reflections on the experience and main success factors in the learning strategy are discussed.

scholarly journals 8.2. ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ПРОБЛЕМ И ВОПРОСОВ УСТОЙЧИВОГО РАЗВИТИЯ В ЗАРУБЕЖНЫХ УНИВЕРСИТЕТАХ

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.Yu. Burtcevа ◽  
K.Yu. Burtcevа ◽  
K.Yu. Burtcevа
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Environmental Problem ◽  
Real Life ◽  
High Quality Education ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The University ◽  
Foreign Universities

В исследовании рассмотрены подходы зарубежных университетов к устойчивому развитию, включающие цели устойчивого развития для обучения, проведения исследований и вовлечения общества, в Австралии, США и Бразилии. Представлены инициативы Мельбурнского университета по реализации концепции устойчивого развития, инициативы США, включающие в себя работу Ассоциации по продвижению устойчивости в высшем образовании (AASHE), программу STARS, инициативу по мобилизации постшкольных учреждений для решения экологической проблемы изменения климата (ACUPCC). В статье обоснованно, что университеты как места, где происходит большая часть исследований и обучение устойчивому развитию, должны выполнять не только образовательную и научную функции, но и выступать в качестве типовых учреждений примеров с точки зрения их собственной деятельности. Автором определено, что процессы устойчивого развития организаций, стран и общества следует начинать с создания высококачественного образования, подготовки надлежащих материалов для учащихся, формирования современных подходов к образованию с точки зрения устойчивой перспективы, создания учебных планов, связанных с современными проблемами, установления связи между образовательными программами и реальной жизнью. Проведенный в статье анализ зарубежной практики позволил предложить направления продвижения устойчивости в отечественном высшем образовании: обеспечение соблюдение принципов устойчивости в высшем образовании содействие институциональным усилиям по интеграции устойчивости в преподавании, исследованиях, взаимодействии с обществом поддержание всех инфраструктурных функций кампусов в достижении целей устойчивого развития расширение сотрудничества со всеми группами стейкхолдеров.In the article the approaches of the foreign universities to sustainable development including sustainable development goals for education, researches and involvement of society in Australia, the USA and Brazil are considered. Initiatives of the University of Melbourne of implementation of the concept of sustainable development, initiatives of the USA including work of Association on advance of stability in the higher education (AASHE), the STARS program, an initiative of mobilization of post-school institutions for the solution of an environmental problem of climate change (ACUPCC) are presented. In article it is reasonable that the universities as places where there is a most part of researches and education in sustainable development, have to perform not only educational and scientific functions, but also act as standard institutions - examples in terms of their own activity. By the author it is defined that processes of sustainable development of the organizations, the countries and society it is necessary to begin with creation of high-quality education, preparation of appropriate materials for pupils, formation of modern approaches to education in terms of steady prospect, creation of the curricula connected with modern problems, establishments of communication between educational programs and real life. The analysis of foreign practice which is carried out in article allowed to offer the directions of advance of stability in domestic higher education: providing respect for the principles of stability in the higher education assistance to institutional efforts on integration of stability in teaching, researches, interaction with society maintenance of all infrastructure functions of campuses in achievement of the goals of sustainable development expansion of cooperation with all groups of stakeholders.

Lessons for Managing Academic Excellence in a Crisis: Experiential Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 113 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-13
Author(s):  
Amy J. Harden ◽  
Carla Earhart ◽  
Craig Webster ◽  
Sotiris Hji-Avgoustis
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Academic Programs ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Academic Excellence ◽  
Consumer Sciences

Family and consumer sciences (FCS) has a long history in embracing the value of hands-on, project-based learning in the classroom. The value of this learning style extends beyond the classroom through internships and other types of experiential learning. FCS literature is replete with examples from the early years of the profession to more recent years (e.g., Bell & Haley, 1995; Branegan & Spafford, 1949; Brooks & Simpson, 2014; Dobbs-Oates, 2019; Hurst et al., 2014; Olson & Montgomery, 2000). Internships are traditionally one of the most popular ways to try out a potential career path and get real-life work experience. For many academic programs, internships are part of the curriculum. In many programs that are aligned with an FCS curriculum, there is a requirement to have an internship experience. However, the recent pandemic has illustrated that the ability to complete an internship may be dependent upon the predictability of the business environment in which such educational experiences can take place.

scholarly journals Higher Education for Professional and Civic Values: A Critical Review and Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 4442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry Shephard ◽  
Tony Egan
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Values Education ◽  
Civic Values ◽  
Role Modelling ◽  
Education Psychology ◽  
Educational Paradigms

Education for sustainable development (ESD) is generally thought to involve some degree of education for particular professional and civic values, attitudes and behaviours (leading to, as examples, being environmentally, socially and culturally responsible); although it is notable that the application of ESD in higher education is contested. This conceptual article analyses literature that describes how higher education addresses professional and civic values, mindfully or unintentionally, in an attempt to provide clarity to the arguments involved in this contestation. The article uses three disciplinary lenses (education, psychology and professional education) in the context of four educational paradigms (experiential learning; role modelling; assessment/evaluation; critical thinking) to explore the theoretical and practical bases of values-education. Our conceptual analysis confirms that values are: of great interest to higher education; a significant focus within experiential learning and in the context of role modelling; but challenging to define and even more so to assess or to evaluate the attainment of. Our three disciplinary lenses also lead us to conclude that encouraging students to develop a disposition to explore their world critically is a form of values-education; and that this may be the only truly legitimate form of values-education open to higher education.

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