Small Projects: A Method for improving Learning.

Ideas concerning problem-based learning (PBL) developed after running different experiences in different Spanish Universities, are discussed. The driver for introducing PBL has been the requirement for studying Mathematics by the Engineering students. A methodology hybrid of problem-based learning for Mathematics in Engineering studies is proposed. The model is a combination of formal lectures, practical and laboratory sessions with autonomous small projects.

Monitoring the communication competence in an innovative context of project management learning

This document presents an innovative, formal educational initiative that is aimed at enhancing the development of engineering students' specific competences. The subject of project management is the common theoretical and practical framework that articulates an experience that is carried out by multidisciplinary groups. Full utilization of Web 2.0 platforms and Project Based Learning constitutes the applied methodology. More specifically, this study focuses on monitoring communication competence when working in virtual environments, providing an ad-hoc rubric as a final result.

Una asignatura on-line de Historia de los Algoritmos

This paper describes the objectives, contents learning methodology and results of an on-line course about History of Algorithms for engineering students of the Polytechnic University of Madrid. This course is conducted in a virtual environment based on Moodle, with an educational model centered at student which includes a detailed planning of learning activities. . Our experience indicates that this subject is is highly motivating for students and the virtual environment facilitates competencies development.

International Materials Science Seminars: A Bridge between Two Continents

International Materials Science Seminars aim at combining the expertise of several advanced research groups and creating an unique opportunity for foreign and Spanish students in terms of cutting-edge research.

An Online Course on the History of Algorithms.

This paper describes the objectives, content, learning methodology and results of an online course on the History of Algorithms for engineering students at Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM). This course is conducted in a virtual environment based on Moodle, with a student-centred educational model which includes a detailed planning of learning activities. Our experience indicates that this subject is highly motivating for students and the virtual environment facilitates competencies development

DERIVE and Linear Algebra

This work describes an experience with a methodology for learning based on competences in Linear Algebra for engineering students. The experience has been based in autonomous team work of students. DERIVE tutorials for Linear Algebra topics are provided to the students. They have to work with the tutorials as their homework. After, worksheets with exercises have been prepared to be solved by the students organized in teams, using DERIVE function previously defined in the tutorials. The students send to the instructor the solution of the proposed exercises and they fill a survey with their impressions about the following items: ease of use of the files, usefulness of the tutorials for understanding the mathematical topics and the time spent in the experience. As a final work, we have designed an activity directed to the interested students. They have to prepare a project, related with a real problem in Science and Engineering. The students are free to choose the topic and to develop it but they have to use DERIVE in the solution. Obviously they are guided by the instructor. Some examples of activities related with Orthogonal Transformations will be presented.

Análisis de los aspectos intrínsecos y extrínsecos de la coherencia en los textos para la enseñanza del inglés académico y profesional

RESUMEN. En este artículo abordamos la evaluación de textos especializados, con fines docentes, mediante un estudio experimental basado en los rasgos de textualidad que hacen que el texto resulte coherente para sus lectores. Se comprueba, empíricamente, que existe una correlación positiva entre la adecuación del texto a los rasgos de textualidad y su comprensión por parte de los alumnos de ingeniería de Minas que han formado el grupo experimental. Queda patente cómo textos que en un primer análisis se pudiera afirmar que cumplen los criterios de textualidad, aplicados a otro contexto situacional distinto de aquel para el que fueron escritos, pueden no cumplir con los mismos criterios, resultando inadecuados o no totalmente inteligibles. Se constata que la coherencia textual no depende exclusivamente de factores intratextuales, sino también de aquellos otros extratextuales relacionados con la comunidad receptora. ABSTRACT. This article deals with the evaluation of specialised texts for eduactional purposes. It reports on an experimental study based on those textuality feactures which make a text coherent to the readers. It is empirically tested that there exists a positive correlation between textuality features of a given text and its reading comprehension by engineering students participating in the experimental study. It is shown how texts, that initially comply with textuality features, taken into a different context from that for which they were written, may become inadequate or even non understandable. It becomes evident that textual coherence does not depend exclusively on intratextual elements but on those extratextual ones related to the receiving community as well.

Estrategias metacognitivas y metalingüísticas empleadas en la redacción de los informes técnicos

Este trabajo presenta un análisis de las estrategias cognitivas, metacognitivas y metalingüísticas implicadas en la elaboración de los informes técnicos en las asignaturas de IPA, para alumnos de ciencias e ingenierías. Las aplicaciones didácticas se formulan en relación con los niveles comunicativos del Marco de Referencia Europeo para las lenguas, teniendo en cuenta uno de los géneros lingüísticos más frecuentes dentro de los ámbitos de la ciencia y la técnica.. ABSTRACT. This paper presents an analysis of cognitive, metacognitive and metalinguistic strategies implied in the written production of technical reports, as they may be considered in academic writing courses for science and engineering students. Methodological applications are made bearing in mind the European Framework of Reference for Languages in relation to one of the most frequent genres produced by scientists and engineers..

Ayuda virtual al aprendizaje de Geología en la E.T.S.I Minas y Energía de Madrid

El aprendizaje de la Geología requiere de una habilidad que se consigue principalmente con la práctica en la Naturaleza, siendo más efectiva cuando los conocimientos se intentan trasmitir a otra persona. En este trabajo se muestran los resultados obtenidos tras introducir cambios en asignaturas relacionadas con la Geología empleando nuevas tecnologías, que han supuesto la mejora del aprendizaje combinando el trabajo práctico personal del estudiante con la realización de vídeos en el medio físico en los que explican los aspectos geológicos visibles a diferentes escalas. Asimismo, se han elaborado fichas de “rutas geológicas”, acompañadas por estos vídeos en las que se señalan los aspectos geológicos más importantes. Los vídeos se han subido a las plataformas “moodle”, “facebook” y canal “youtube” donde las personas interesadas pueden consultarlos. Las guías se encuentran en la plataforma “moodle”. Los estudiantes manifestaron su satisfacción por esta actividad ya que, además de adquirir conocimientos geológicos, adquirieron la seguridad de expresarse en público con un lenguaje técnico. Ello supuso una mejora en las calificaciones y un incremento de la motivación. Por otro lado, los estudiantes que lo deseen pueden realizar itinerarios de interés geológico sin necesidad de ir acompañados de un docente, profundizando en los temas que más les interesen Abstract: Learning Geology requires a skill that is primarily achieved with practice in nature, being more effective when one tries to transmit knowledge to others. Here, we show the results of an educational innovation program in courses related to Geology using new technologies (ITC) in order to increase the acquisition of geological knowledge. This program is designed mainly on the basis of individual work with video recordings in the field in which students explain geological concepts at various scales. These videos have been uploaded to the “moodle”, “facebook” and “youtube” channel, where people can view them. We also elaborated "Geological routes," which are accompanied by these videos indicating the most important geological aspects that can be observed, that were uploaded to “moodle” platform. The realization of these videos has been warmly welcomed by students, and they show increased motivation, accompanied by an improvement in grades. They also gained confidence in public speaking using technical language. Also, students can make itineraries of geological interest without having to be accompanied by a professor, deeping into the most interesting topics.

Diseño y construcción de una mini-turbina eólica

Dado que es difícil imaginar en el futuro una sociedad moderna donde la energía no juegue un papel fundamental y puesto que numerosos estudios han demostrado que el ritmo actual de consumo de combustibles es insostenible y perjudicial para la vida del planeta, es fundamental concienciar a la humanidad de que un cambio de tendencia no solo es necesario sino que es imperativo. No se trata de erradicar por completo el uso de fuentes de carácter fósil, pues en muchos países es su principal o incluso su única forma de obtener energía, sino de avanzar hacia un equilibrio en la generación, para lo que será vital permitir el desarrollo de energías limpias, aumentar la eficiencia de la tecnología y reducir el consumo. En este contexto se ha decidido construir un rotor eólico de pequeñas dimensiones que servirá como herramienta de estudio para alumnos de ingeniería. Para diseñar la turbina se ha desarrollado un modelo de programación informática que, basado en conceptos aerodinámicos, permite calcular la geometría de las palas en función de unas condiciones iniciales, estimar la potencia del rotor y obtener sus curvas de funcionamiento. Uno de los principales problemas de la tecnología eólica es su alta variabilidad, por ello se ha implementado un sistema de regulación de velocidad; se trata de un mecanismo que actúa sobre la orientación de las palas y permite regular la potencia de un generador eléctrico acoplado al rotor. Los aerogeneradores actuales recurren a este tipo de sistemas para tratar de suavizar los desequilibrios de potencia que puedan producir las ráfagas de viento. Se ha recurrido a un software de diseño asistido por ordenador para dibujar tanto el rotor como el sistema de regulación de velocidad. La mayoría de las piezas del rotor se han fabricado con ayuda de una impresora 3D, otras, las metálicas, se han tallado en aluminio mediante un torno. Aunque el programa informático que realiza los cálculos aerodinámicos devuelve datos teóricos a cerca del comportamiento del rotor, se ha creído necesario probar el molino mediante ensayos de laboratorio a fin de obtener un resultado más realista.Abstract Given that it’s difficult to imagine any modern society in the future where energy does not play a crucial role, and as many studies have shown that the actual rate of fuel consumption is unsustainable and harmful to life on the planet, it is essential to raise mankind’s awareness that a change in the current trend is not only necessary, but is also imperative. It is not a question of completely eradicating the use of fossil fuels, as in many countries they are the main or even the only way of generating energy, but rather working towards a balance in generation. To do so it is vital to encourage the development of clean energies, increase technological efficiency and reduce consumption. In view of this we have decided to build a small scale wind turbine rotor which can be used as a study tool for engineering students. To design the turbine a software programme was developed based on aerodynamic concepts, which allows us to calculate the geometry of the blades depending on certain initial conditions, estimate the power of the turbine, and obtain performance curves. One of the main issues with wind technology is its high variability, and therefore we implemented a speed regulation system consisting of a mechanism that varies the orientation of the blades and thus allows us to regulate the power of an electric generator attached to the turbine. Current wind powered generators use this type of system to try to smooth out spikes in power that may be caused by gusts of wind. We have used CAD software to design both the turbine itself and the speed regulation system. Most of the turbine parts have been manufactured with the aid of a 3D printer, while the other metallic parts have been turned on made a lathe in aluminum. Although the software programme which calculates the aerodynamics provide us theoretical data about the operation of the rotor. We consider it necessary to test the wind turbine in a lab to obtain more accurate results.

Educational Project for the Teaching of Control of Electric Traction Drives

Electric vehicles constitute a multidisciplinary subject that involves disciplines such as automotive, mechanical, electrical and control engineering. Due to this multidisciplinary technical nature, practical teaching methodologies are of special relevance. Paradoxically, in the past, the training of engineers specializing in this area has lacked the practical component represented by field tests, due to the difficulty of accessing real systems. This paper presents an educational project specifically designed for the teaching and training of engineering students with different backgrounds and experience. The teaching methodology focuses on the topology of electric traction drives and their control. It includes two stages, a simulation computer model and a scaled laboratory workbench that comprises a traction electrical drive coupled to a vehicle emulator. With this equipment, the effectiveness of different traction control strategies can be analyzed from the point of view of energy efficiency, robustness, easiness of implementation and acoustic noise.

FORMAÇÃO E PRÁTICA DOCENTE DE PROFESSORES DE INGLÊS EM CURSO LIVRE: UM ESTUDO DAS REPRESENTAÇÕES SOCIAIS

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar as representações sociais de um grupo de professores de inglês em curso livre a respeito de sua identidade profissional, seus processos formativos e seus saberes docentes. A fundamentação teórica do estudo baseou-se nos conceitos de representação social (Serge Moscovici e Denise Jodelet) e de dialogicidade (Mikhail Bakhtin e Ivana Marková). Foram realizadas considerações a respeito de fatores históricos, sociais e econômicos que originaram as atuais representações que os sujeitos do estudo têm a respeito do idioma bem como dos processos de ensino e aprendizagem do mesmo. Os dados foram coletados através de dois questionários e analisados com os recursos de um software para análise lexical, o ALCESTE. Os resultados revelaram que os participantes consideram a fluência no idioma como central para sua identidade profissional e a experiência em sala de aula como mais importante do que a vivência acadêmica. A falta de reflexão acerca de aspectos sociais relacionados à sua prática pedagógica também foi observada. A contribuição pretendida por este estudo foi uma melhor compreensão das representações de professores de inglês a respeito do idioma e dos processos de ensino e aprendizagem do mesmo, bem como de seu papel profissional, de forma a oferecer algumas reflexões sobre as políticas e práticas atuais relacionadas à formação inicial e continuada de professores de língua estrangeira.(AU)

FORMAÇÃO E PRÁTICA DOCENTE DE PROFESSORES DE INGLÊS EM CURSO LIVRE: UM ESTUDO DAS REPRESENTAÇÕES SOCIAIS

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar as representações sociais de um grupo de professores de inglês em curso livre a respeito de sua identidade profissional, seus processos formativos e seus saberes docentes. A fundamentação teórica do estudo baseou-se nos conceitos de representação social (Serge Moscovici e Denise Jodelet) e de dialogicidade (Mikhail Bakhtin e Ivana Marková). Foram realizadas considerações a respeito de fatores históricos, sociais e econômicos que originaram as atuais representações que os sujeitos do estudo têm a respeito do idioma bem como dos processos de ensino e aprendizagem do mesmo. Os dados foram coletados através de dois questionários e analisados com os recursos de um software para análise lexical, o ALCESTE. Os resultados revelaram que os participantes consideram a fluência no idioma como central para sua identidade profissional e a experiência em sala de aula como mais importante do que a vivência acadêmica. A falta de reflexão acerca de aspectos sociais relacionados à sua prática pedagógica também foi observada. A contribuição pretendida por este estudo foi uma melhor compreensão das representações de professores de inglês a respeito do idioma e dos processos de ensino e aprendizagem do mesmo, bem como de seu papel profissional, de forma a oferecer algumas reflexões sobre as políticas e práticas atuais relacionadas à formação inicial e continuada de professores de língua estrangeira.(AU)

O EVANGELHO SEGUNDO DOSTOIÉVSKI UMA ABORDAGEM INTERTEXTUAL DA IMAGEM DE CRISTO NO ROMANCE O IDIOTA

No romance O Idiota, Dostoiévski cria, por meio do príncipe Míchkin, uma personagem com as características do Cristo. Sabe-se que a Bíblia, principalmente o Novo Testamento, acompanhou o escritor desde sua infância até o momento de sua morte. O primeiro capítulo, dedicado ao referencial teórico da pesquisa, lida com o universo da linguagem. Tanto o texto literário quanto a literatura bíblica procedem do mito. Neste sen-tido, religião e literatura se tocam e se aproximam. O segundo capítulo foi escrito na intenção de mostrar como o Cristo e os Evangelhos são temas, motivos e imagens recorrentes na obra de Dostoiévski. A literatura bíblica está presente, com mais ou menos intensidade, em diversas das principais obras do escritor russo e não somente em O Idiota. A hipótese de que Dostoiévski cria um Cristo e um Evangelho por meio de O Idiota é demonstrada na análise do romance, no terceiro capítulo. A tese proposta é: Dostoiévski desenvolve um evangelho literário, por meio de Míchkin, misto de um Cristo russo, ao mesmo tempo divino e humano, mas também idiota e quixotesco. Na dinâmica intertextual entre os Evangelhos bíblicos e O Idiota, entre Cristo e Míchkin, a literatura e o sagrado se revelam, como uma presença divina. Nas cenas e na estruturação do enredo que compõe o romance, Cristo se manifesta nas ações de Míchkin, na luz, na beleza, mas também na tragicidade de uma trajetória deslocada e antinômica. O amor e a compaixão ganham forma e vida na presen-ça do príncipe, vazio de si, servo de todos.

COMPENDIUM: a text summarisation tool for generating summaries of multiple purposes, domains, and genres

In this paper, we present a Text Summarisation tool, compendium, capable of generating the most common types of summaries. Regarding the input, single- and multi-document summaries can be produced; as the output, the summaries can be extractive or abstractive-oriented; and finally, concerning their purpose, the summaries can be generic, query-focused, or sentiment-based. The proposed architecture for compendium is divided in various stages, making a distinction between core and additional stages. The former constitute the backbone of the tool and are common for the generation of any type of summary, whereas the latter are used for enhancing the capabilities of the tool. The main contributions of compendium with respect to the state-of-the-art summarisation systems are that (i) it specifically deals with the problem of redundancy, by means of textual entailment; (ii) it combines statistical and cognitive-based techniques for determining relevant content; and (iii) it proposes an abstractive-oriented approach for facing the challenge of abstractive summarisation. The evaluation performed in different domains and textual genres, comprising traditional texts, as well as texts extracted from the Web 2.0, shows that compendium is very competitive and appropriate to be used as a tool for generating summaries.