Repository logo

DigitUMa

University of Madeira Institutional Repository

 

Recent Submissions

Transforming education: pedagogical innovation in diversifed contexts
Publication . Fonseca, Arnaldo; Dinis Fonseca, Arnaldo José
The research presented follows an interpretative, organized, and systematic pro cess aimed at the emergence of concepts and practices capable of deepening the understan ding of Pedagogical Innovation (PI) across diverse formal, non-formal, and informal learning environments. Conceptually, Peda gogical Innovation is analyzed within a post modern context, where epistemological and axiological challenges increasingly impact education, particularly schools, which often remain anchored in practices that struggle to foster deep and meaningful learning of an ever more plural, intersubjective, and complex knowledge landscape. The research employs an interpretative meta-synthesis approach, analyzing 107 dissertations and theses in Edu cational Sciences—Pedagogical Innovation, defended at the University of Madeira betwe en 2007 and 2015. All studies analyzed were qualitative, and the meta-synthesis utilized a meta-ethnographic methodology. Through an inductive process, the research structured successive interpretative syntheses in its first stage, identifying 1,285 conceptual segments that reflect ideas, concepts, or topics relevant to the theme. In the second stage, involving the translation of primary studies (1st Level of Synthesis), 42 significant key concepts were identified. This process culminated in the third stage—Synthesis of Translations (2nd Level of Synthesis)—which led to the forma tion of five macro-conceptual categories: the construction of competences, teaching profes sionalism, students’ learning experiences, the nature of praxis, and instrumental resources. The conclusions reveal that Pedagogical Innovation constitutes a complex and multidimen sional phenomenon rooted in conscious and critical processes of change. These processes emphasize students’ capacities and attitudes, linked to pedagogical practices grounded in constructivist epistemological frameworks. Additionally, the findings highlight an inno vative praxis that remains deeply localized, limited to micro-intervention environments. The potential of ICT is noted as a valuable tool for fostering new learning approaches under specific conditions. Recommendations are directed at educational institutions, urging them to act as facilitators of collaborative cultural spaces, and at policymakers, advocating for strategies to reduce bureaucratic constraints and enable genuine school autonomy.
The impact of questioning on classroom dynamics: a critical analysis
Publication . Fonseca, Arnaldo; Dinis Fonseca, Arnaldo José
This article critically examines the impact of questioning on classroom dyna mics, restructuring and deepening the un derstanding of its role as a fundamental ca talyst for learning environments intended to be dynamic, collaborative, and particularly student-centered. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, the article discusses how intentional and strategic questioning can foster critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, student autonomy, and metacognitive skills. In this regard, active learning methodologies are addressed, with emphasis on Problem-Ba sed Learning (PBL), the Socratic method, and Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL), highlighting the transformative potential of the teacher’s role as a facilitator. Additionally, contempo rary challenges are explored alongside emer ging opportunities, particularly the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the promotion and development of questioning and critical thinking. The conclusion is that questioning, beyond a mere pedagogical technique, cons titutes an indispensable competence for the holistic development of autonomous, critical citizens prepared for the challenges of a cons tantly transforming world, thus requiring a continuous recalibration of pedagogical priorities and teacher training.
Analysis of the environmental impact of botanical pesticides in soil
Publication . Pereira, Verónica; Castilho, Paula C.; Pereira, Jorge A. M.; Augusto Machado Pereira, Jorge
Plant-based pesticides are considered viable complements of conventional synthetic pesticides in agriculture. Their environmentally benign nature and potential to mitigate ecological impacts render them advantageous options for sustainable farming practices. However, the long-term effects of botanical pesticides on soil ecosystems remain unclear. This review aims to examine current evidence concerning the persistence of botanical pesticides in soil environments and their potential effects. Specifically, it addresses their biodegradation pathways in soil as well as their impact on soil enzymes and biology. The methodologies available to perform these studies are also briefly discussed, particularly focusing on how they can be tailored to improve the analysis of the impacts and challenges posed by the use of botanical pesticides in ecosystems.
Improved methodology to survey veterinary antibiotics in environmental samples using µSPEed microextraction followed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography
Publication . Antos, Joanna; García-Cansino, Laura; Ángeles García, María; Ginter-Kramarczyk, Dobrochna; Marina, María Luisa; Zembrzuska, Joanna; Câmara, José S.; Pereira, Jorge A. M.; Câmara, José; Augusto Machado Pereira, Jorge
A μSPEed microextraction combined with ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) with UV detection was developed for analysing six veterinary antibiotics (tetracycline, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim) in environmental samples. To optimise extraction, 12 sorbent cartridges, sample loading cycles, volumes, and pH were assayed. The PS/DVB-RP cartridge, three 250 μL sample loading cycles, and two 50-µL elutions with acidified methanol yielded maximum efficiency. The method was validated with optimised fast chromatographic separation, showing good linearity (R2 > 0.99), precision (RSD < 20%), and recoveries between 46-86%. Detection and quantification limits ranged from 0.30-1.23 μg L−1 and 0.92-3.73 μg L−1 , respectively. The optimised μSPEed/UPLC-PDA efficiently analysed environmental water samples, requiring only 6 min extraction, 6 min analysis, and 500 μL sample, surpassing alternative methods in speed, workloads and reproducibility. The cost-effective, commercially available equipment facilitates accessibility for laboratories and adaptability for analysing selected antibiotics in diverse matrices, including food and environmental samples.