Mapping constructivist active learning for STEM: toward sustainable education

As STEM education evolves, educators face growing challenges in selecting and adapting active learning strategies that are pedagogically sound, scalable, and aligned with sustainability goals. This study identifies and analyzes thirteen active (X-BLs) methods using a quantitative and qualitative, mu...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Bou Saad, Rania, Llorens García, Ariadna|||0000-0002-7776-0310, Cabré Garcia, José M.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/443037
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/443037
https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su17136225
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:STEM education
Active learning
Constructivist learning
Sustainability
Learning methods
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Ensenyament i aprenentatge::Política educativa::Reforma educativa
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Ensenyament i aprenentatge::Gestió i planificació educativa
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Ensenyament i aprenentatge::Innovació i Investigació educativa
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Ensenyament i aprenentatge::Metodologies docents::Aprenentatge actiu
Descripción
Sumario:As STEM education evolves, educators face growing challenges in selecting and adapting active learning strategies that are pedagogically sound, scalable, and aligned with sustainability goals. This study identifies and analyzes thirteen active (X-BLs) methods using a quantitative and qualitative, multi-criteria framework based on historical originality, conceptual distinctiveness, and compatibility with STEM education. The resulting classification—organized into the categories of originality, innovation, collaboration, and technology—provides a dynamic lens for understanding the development and context of active learning approaches. Beyond its theoretical contribution, the framework offers practical guidance for curriculum designers, school leaders, and policy makers seeking to implement context-sensitive, future-oriented STEM education. By clarifying which methods are foundational and which are more adaptive or emergent, the findings can support strategic decision making, promote pedagogical innovation, and contribute to building more sustainable and interdisciplinary learning environments. This work also sets the stage for further exploration of culturally and regionally grounded pedagogical approaches that address real-world challenges.