Well-executed service-learning projects are a high-value educational element. However, these projects commonly focus on overused topics and unbalanced executions which can produce the opposite effect to that desired when working with groups of people with functional diversity. PRINT3D is a service-learning project aimed at improving accessibility for people with visual disabilities while helping primary and secondary school students learn basic engineering skills through 3D design and printing. Under the support of the European Erasmus+ Programme, this project brought together nongovernmental organizations, teacher professional development centers, business enterprises, and educational centers to collaborate for two school years. The project activities aimed to promote empathy with visually impaired individuals, understand their accessibility needs, generate and prototype solutions, work collaboratively, and 3D design and print objects such as subway line plans, facility plans, signage, and artistic objects that are accessible to the visually impaired. The results of the project were increased motivation, social awareness, and technical skills, especially among students with a higher risk of dropping out of school.

Considering students’ increasing lack of interest and motivation for science subjects, it becomes almost imperative to introduce different methodology approaches in classrooms. Besides, decontextualized science teaching, where hands on activities are not sufficiently taken into account, can make the students attitude toward science-learning even worse. Inquiry Based Learning where elements such as games, toys and short experiments are included is showed as a useful methodological proposal. This paper presents how the use of these entertaining science activities can improve students’ interest and encourage them to speak about science, acquiring better argumentation and inquiry skills when they are properly performed in a formal classroom context.

This article explores the training interests of non-university in-service teachers on the topic of innovative learning environments (ILEs). For this purpose, a specific questionnaire was designed and validated to collect teachers’ opinions on their current training interests. The questionnaire comprised a total of 32 items related to ILEs, grouped into four dimensions that included aspects of methodologies, digital technology, educational spaces, and specific didactic activities developed in these learning environments. The analysis of the 254 valid responses showed that the greatest interest is shown in the dimension that addresses didactic aspects of teaching in these environments, followed by aspects of the design of innovative educational spaces. Variations were also analysed according to demographic aspects such as gender, age, teaching seniority, and the educational stage at which the class is taught. The data obtained allow us to affirm that teachers have a high level of interest in the topic analysed. Furthermore, the grouping of different topics revealed by the correlational statistical study provides valuable information that allows teacher training consultants to create designs in coherence with the demands and interests expressed.

Resumen: El objetivo de este trabajo ha consistido en elaborar y validar una herramienta en forma de cuestionario con la que averiguar las competencias en salud que posee el alumnado al finalizar la educación obligatoria. Su importancia radica en que sirve para conocer el aprendizaje producido en Educación para la Salud durante ese tiempo y, por tanto, es punto de referencia para la actuación educativa posterior. El cuestionario trata 24 problemas significativos para la salud, ha sido sometido a juicio de expertos, evaluado con una prueba de legibilidad, con entrevistas a la población diana, y con una prueba piloto con alumnos de 1º y 4º de la Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (12 y 16 años). Sus resultados sirven para detectar carencias y las cuestiones invitan a utilizar las metodologías didácticas adecuadas para que todos los estudiantes tengan la oportunidad de mejorar su formación en salud y desarrollar las competencias que permitan mejorar la calidad de vida personal, colectiva y ambiental.

Objective. This paper analyzes the training received by early childhood education teachers during their university studies, as well as their valuation of natural spaces, to determine their qualification to teach environmental education (EE). It also considers the compulsory nature of teaching this subject in early childhood education centers and the general perception of the importance of environmental education as part of sustainable educational awareness. This analysis was conducted among in-service early childhood education teachers in Spain and Costa Rica to establish the differences and similarities in the approach to EE in both education systems. Method. A random and anonymous selection of educators from Spain and Costa Rica was conducted, comprising 199 and 63 participants, respectively. Teachers answered a validated online questionnaire adapted to the purpose of this research. Responses were statistically processed using SPSS and JAMOVI, taking into account possible differences not only between countries but also in aspects such as gender, age, and teaching experience. Results. Despite some significant differences, generally speaking, a globalized perspective of the various issues addressed is shared, emphasizing the need to enhance the initial training of teachers. Conclusions. The differences between countries are not decisive in practice, and many of the problems, shortcomings, and concerns are shared in both countries. An improvement in initial training and heightened awareness are required.