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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.
Editorial: Interaction of microbiota and metabolomic disorders
Publication . Pereira, Jorge A. M.; Augusto Machado Pereira, Jorge
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.