Different applications of concept maps in Higher Education

Purpose: The aim of this work is to show different applications of concept maps in higher education, concretely in qualifications of the Polytechnic University of Valencia. Design/methodology/approach: Different methodologies have been used depending on the application of concept maps: as evaluation tool, as knowledge organizing tool, and as meaningful learning tool. Findings: Students consider the concept maps useful principally to select key ideas, to achieve a comprehensive view of the lesson, and to bring up the subject. Moreover, concept maps promote the meaningful and active learning, help students to understand, follow-up, and learn subjects with a high load of contents. Research limitations/implications: The most important limitation is the use of the concept maps in subjects with a high number of students. Practical implications: The realization of concept maps allows the student to develop generic competences. Originality/value: The originality of this work is to show how a same tool can be used in different subjects of different qualifications.Peer Reviewe

Análisis multidisciplinar de la aplicación de técnicas de evaluación continua formativa

El presente trabajo presenta las actividades realizas para la mejora del proceso de aprendizaje en sesiones de prácticas mediante distintas estrategias de evaluación continua formativa por parte de un grupo de innovación educativa de la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia. Se ha estudiado el uso de cuestionarios temporizados realizados antes y al finalizar la práctica mediante el uso de una plataforma de e-learning así como el uso de rúbricas para la valoración del trabajo del alumno y las memorias de prácticas. La eficacia de las distintas estrategias ha sido establecida a partir de datos cualitativos y cuantitativos recogidos mediante observación durante su aplicación, calificaciones obtenidas y realizando un sondeo de opinión. La aplicación de estas metodologías ha sido llevada a cabo en 10 asignaturas de diferentes áreas de conocimiento (Teoría de la Señal y Comunicaciones, Química, Ingeniería Química y Economía) impartidas en diferentes carreras técnicas, por lo que se obtiene una visión multidisciplinar del efecto de las innovaciones

Synthesis of CuOx nanostructures in novel electrolytes under hydrodynamic conditions for photoelectrochemical applications

In this work, CuOx (x = 1 and 2) nanostructures have been synthesized by electrochemical anodization in ethylene glycol based electrolytes using oxalic acid or NaF (with or without NaOH) as complexing agents. The influence of hydrodynamic conditions and time during anodization of copper have also been evaluated. A comprehensive morphological, structural, electrochemical and photoelectrochemical characterization of the nanostructures has been performed. The results revealed the convenient use of oxalic acid and 250 rpm for 5 minutes during electrochemical anodization to obtain homogeneous CuOx nanostructures formed by spheres with Cu2O as a predominant phase. Using this nanostructure as a photocathode for N2O photoelectron-reduction, almost 100% of N2O removal was achieved after 1 h, showing the improvement of the photoelectrochemical approach vs. the photo or the electro performance