Browsing by Author "Martinho, Ana Paula"
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- A 5Ps approach to teaching and e-learning sustainability: the case of Universidade AbertaPublication . Mapar, Mahsa; Nicolau, Paula Bacelar; Dias, Marco; Ferreira, Célia; Manuelito, Helena; Martins, Rute; Martinho, Ana Paula; Pereira, Pedro; Simão, João; Trindade, Jorge; Fernandes, Paula Vaz; Caeiro, Sandra
- An open participatory conceptual framework to support state of the environment and sustainability reportsPublication . Ramos, Tomás B.; Martins, Ivone P.; Martinho, Ana Paula; Douglas, Calbert H.; Painho, Marco; Caeiro, SandraIt is fundamental to monitor, evaluate and report the state of the environment at global and local levels, to better implement sustainable development principles and practices. The State of the Environment and Sustainability Reports should be written in an understandable and accessible way for stakeholders and also be developed from the beginning with its involvement and participation. Despite several initiatives that refer public engagement in State of the Environment and Sustainability Reports, from the national to the corporate levels, usually the participatory approaches are restricted to consultations of key actors. They do not explore the role that could be played by stakeholders as part of the report staff, from designing to production and reviewing. The aim of this research is to develop a conceptual framework to support open participatory, interactive and adaptive State of the Environment and Sustainability Reports, where the stakeholders’ involvement (non-experts and experts) will effectively contribute to the design, data gath- ering and evaluations produced in the reports. The proposed open participatory approach will support the design and implementation of a collaborative report. The stakeholders’ assessment of the State of the Environment and Sustainability Reports can also be used as an indirect way for formal results evaluation, allowing for cross-validation. The paper analyses and explores two practices of regular and formal State of the Environment reports: the “European Environment e State and Outlook (transnational scale) and the “Portuguese State of the Environment Report” (national scale). In both reporting initiatives, the partici- patory approaches in the design and production of the reports are weak or inexistent and many times merely formal. A set of steps and procedures, embedded in a formal framework, is proposed for adoption in the both initiatives. The proposed framework should be implemented through gradually and prioritised steps to mitigate practical difficulties, due to the complexity of institutional reporting processes. The open participatory State of the Environment and Sustainability Report will represent a joint commitment among stakeholders for active reporting development with new information and knowledge. Rethinking tradi- tional reporting and related participatory approaches can move the State of the Environment and Sus- tainability Reports to a new stage of evolution: a continuous updating of information. In this process, data and information will come from formal and informal sources and, stakeholders can scrutinize each other’s participation and increase the overall content and quality of the collaborative disclosures.
- Attitudes, barriers and motivators as factors for sustainability of higher education e-Learning programmes at Universidade Aberta, PortugalPublication . Nicolau, Paula Bacelar; Caeiro, Sandra; Martinho, Ana Paula; Azeiteiro, UlissesIn higher education distance learning institutions, where studies are carried on through a variety of distance learning regimes, from the correspondence and earlier forms of distance education to fully online e-learning programmes, and where planners and administrators seize the effective adoption and deployment of technology-enabled education, student attitude and motivation assume considerable significance. Attitudinal pre-dispositions, institutional and allied barriers (including appropriate policy initiatives), besides the scientific and pedagogical quality of degree programmes are assumed to play a crucial role in sustainability of higher education systems. This article reports the findings of a study conducted at Universidade Aberta, Portugal—the Portuguese Distance Learning Education University—to examine student attitudes towards e-learning and to identify barriers and motivators of e-learning adoption, which are key factors for decreasing dropout rates of a 2nd cycle degree e-learning programme, analysed as a case study.
- Bioeconomia uma nova área de desenvolvimento económico (Tópico 3 EDS)Publication . Martinho, Ana Paula; Jacquinet, MarcUma primeira definição da bioeconomia é atribuída a Georgescu-Roegen (1975) num artigo sobre bioeconomia, que defendia uma perspetiva biofísica para a economia, embora esta atribuição não seja consensual entre os investigadores. O entendimento atual da bioeconomia, que foi desenvolvido na última década, está enraizado na ideia de que as matérias-primas industriais (por exemplo, materiais, químicos, energia) devem ser derivadas de recursos biológicos renováveis, utilizando a pesquisa e a inovação para determinar o processo de transformação. Pode-se assim dizer que a noção de Bioeconomia é multifacetada, onde se pode incluir três visões distintas, das quais pelo menos as duas primeiras parecem ser significativamente influenciadas por uma perspetiva de engenharia e ciências naturais. Essas visões de Bioeconomia são: 1. A visão da biotecnologia enfatiza a importância da investigação biotecnológica e a aplicação e comercialização da biotecnologia em diferentes sectores da economia; 2. A visão dos recursos biológicos centra-se no processamento e atualização de matérias-primas biológicas, assim como no estabelecimento de novas cadeias de valor; 3. A visão bio-ecológica destaca a sustentabilidade e os processos ecológicos que otimizam o uso de energia e nutrientes, promovem a biodiversidade e evitam monoculturas e a degradação do solo.
- Cidadania ambiental ativa de jovens na prevenção de resíduos: um estudo de caso em cursos profissionaisPublication . Rosário, Patrícia; Martinho, Ana Paula; Ramos, Maria do Rosário; Portela, Célia; Bagagem, TeresaO presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver um projeto de cidadania ambiental para que os jovens de cursos profissionais se tornem mais responsáveis no consumo e na prevenção de resíduos e sejam também agentes de mudança. Em todas estas atividades, os jovens estudantes foram participativos e sensíveis a todos as questões abordadas. Foi aplicado um conjunto de instrumentos participativos, que os tornou mais ativos e mais sensíveis para as questões de consumo e de prevenção de resíduos. Para além da aplicação de inquéritos por questionário e a realização de um debate, foi também aplicada a realização de um workshop participativo, onde os estudantes elaborarem um plano de ação com um conjunto de medidas de prevenção de resíduos para os locais onde costumam frequentar e ajustadas à sua futura vida profissional. Foi feita uma abordagem predominantemente qualitativa, com a aplicação de questionários e com a utilização da técnica de observador participante. Os dados recolhidos nos questionários serviram para fazer uma análise quantitativa com a aplicação de testes estatísticos, a fim de traçar o perfil destes alunos e explorar relações relativamente às dimensões Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Comportamentos. Este projeto recorreu a diferentes formas de avaliação que contribuíram para se realizar uma avaliação cuidada e aprofundada do projeto. Este trabalho apresenta um aspeto inovador por ter sido desenvolvido em cursos profissionais, não se tendo encontrado outros trabalhos desenvolvidos neste público-alvo. Assim, entende-se que a aplicação do projeto em outras escolas com cursos profissionais pode ajudar a sensibilizar estes jovens que estão muito próximo de entrarem no mercado do trabalho para as questões da prevenção de resíduos e da sustentabilidade.
- Co-processing of hazardous waste: the perception of workers regarding sustainability and health issues in a Brazilian cement companyPublication . Guimarães, André Gomes; Fernandes, Ana Paula; Ramos, Maria do Rosário; Martinho, Ana PaulaThe practise of co-processing has been growing and is used to address socioeconomic, environmental, and energy issues. However, the uncertainties related to potential negative impacts on public health and the environment represent one of the major concerns of the competent authorities and scientific community. This research aims to assess the perception of workers in a cement plant in Brazil about sustainability (environmental, economic, social) and health issues related to the practise of co-processing, such as: pollution, conditions and safety of work, the environment, individual and collective health, employment opportunities, capacity building and training offered by the company, waste co-processing, public transparency, and active participation of the population in decision-making. A survey was conducted in a cement plant in Brazil using a questionnaire distributed to 50 workers, representing about 17% of a medium sized industry. The unit was chosen for its accessibility, as well as the fact that it is one of the 37 Brazilian industries that performs the task of co-processing and is not yet well known. Purposive sampling was used to include all workers whose work activities are directly linked to co-processing (16 workers), along with 34 representing all other plant sectors; in addition, seniority must be at least two years, and the worker must live in local communities or in surrounding cities. The results indicate positive perspectives toward most questions, except in the aspects related to the local population's knowledge about the practise of co-processing and those related to the population's participation in the decision-making processes: these aspects were both viewed negatively. The findings show that the perceptions of internal stakeholders (workers) of the cement industry are valuable in assessing the aspects related to co-processing, health risks, and environmental protection. The state environmental agencies must have the technical capacity to ensure that cement companies practise co-processing without endangering the health of workers and populations living near the industries as well as while preserving environmental conditions. The cement industry will be able to further reduce the environmental footprint of its operations and products in their final application and guarantee the safety of the workers and populations living near the industry through expertise and know-how. Sustainable cement production relies on well-educated and well-trained workers with highly efficient training programs and the creation of a supportive environment for workers; integrated pollution prevention and control with environmental management is a necessity in order to mitigate the negative effects. Populations living near the cement plant should have access to information on the environment and activities which pose danger, as well as the opportunity to participate in decision-making.
- Comparação entre modelos pedagógicos de dois cursos de licenciatura na modalidade a distância em ciências aplicadas em Portugal e no BrasilPublication . Ishida, Márcia; Martinho, Ana Paula; Amante, Lúcia; Pereira, Pedro; Caeiro, SandraA Universidade Aberta de Portugal, fundada em 1988, é a única instituição pública de ensino superior a distância no país, oferecendo cursos para qualquer parte do mundo. Tornou-se referência no domínio avançado do e-learning e da aprendizagem online através do desenvolvimento do seu Modelo Pedagógico Virtual. No Brasil, a partir da implantação do Sistema Universidade Aberta, a educação a distância vem sendo implementada sistematicamente nas Instituições de Ensino Superior Públicas, como uma das políticas governamentais de inclusão social e acesso ao ensino superior público de qualidade. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo comparar dois modelos pedagógicos de cursos de licenciatura oferecidos na modalidade a distância na área das ciências aplicadas: Ciências do Ambiente da Universidade Aberta de Portugal e Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, integrante do Sistema Universidade Aberta do Brasil. As diferenças são realçadas e é efetuada uma análise SWOT a cada curso (Forças, Fraquezas, Oportunidades e Condicionantes), tendo em conta que são cursos na área das ciências e normalmente associados a componentes presenciais práticas. Concluiu-se que a troca de experiências entre universidades que adotam o sistema de aprendizagem e-learning e a parceria com instituição de prestígio como a Universidade Aberta de Portugal que possui tradição nessa modalidade de ensino possibilitam o aperfeiçoamento do Projeto Político Pedagógico dos cursos superiores no Brasil e contribuem para a democratização do acesso ao ensino superior de qualidade no Brasil e em Portugal.
- Do Spanish students become more sustainable after the implementation of sustainable practices by universities?Publication . Sandoval Hamon, Leyla Angelica; Martinho, Ana Paula; Ramos, Maria do Rosário; Bayas Aldaz, Cecilia ElizabethHigher Education Institutions (HEIs) are a critical component to develop and promote sustainable solutions for both society and the planet. A challenge to HEIs is to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to achieve Sustainable Development (SD), as they are important stakeholders. In order for a person to take responsibility for a sustainable future, it is not only important to implement SDs in higher education, but to follow the progress of the individuals’ awareness of the sustainable world and lifestyle. This study aimed to analyze students of Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), focusing on their attitudes, behaviors, and level of knowledge concerning education for sustainable development (ESD), to better understand the situation of students in terms of learning and applying sustainability. The students’ perception of the University practices and initiatives, as well as pedagogical methodologies for promoting and learning SD, were also examined. An online survey was applied to undergraduate students from several faculties at UAM, and a sample of 504 students returned from a total population of 30,000 students. Descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out and included Chi-square tests, correlation analyses, and ANOVA analyses for independent and repeated measures. The results reveal good levels for the three dimensions (global Index > 3.5), with consistency demonstrating the highest correlation between attitudes and behaviors, although differences between faculties were identified. Knowledge has the highest score among all faculties. In addition, the results point to a need to better communicate the initiatives promoted, as well as to realign some learning methodologies with students’ preferences. The most important contributions of the paper are as follows: Shedding fresh light on the knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral dispositions of university students and improving strategies concerning education in higher education institutions. Furthermore, it is relevant to say that UAM has pushed sustainability in environmental management and education, so it is also important to assess the impact of these initiatives. Our research aimed to help understand how students incorporate sustainability into their attitudes and behaviors, and whether this incorporation depends on the type of faculty. It also makes it possible to verify whether the sustainability measures implemented by universities are identified and applied by their students.
- E-learning for the environment : the Universidade Aberta (Portuguese OpenDistance University) experience in the environmental sciences post-graduate coursesPublication . Nicolau, Paula Bacelar; Caeiro, Sandra; Martinho, Ana Paula; Azeiteiro, Ulisses; Amador, FilomenaPurpose – In recent decades, there has been an increase of public awareness about environmental problems. A simultaneous effort to increase educational course offerings in this area has been made. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the first edition of the blended learning MSc in Environmental Citizenship and Participation that is offered by Universidade Aberta, Lisbon, Portugal. This is the first and only MSc offered in the distance learning mode in Portugal in this scientific area. The Master’s programme includes environmental and social sciences contents. Also the programme includes tools and methodologies designed to help the students put into practice their expanded awareness, and knowledge within educational and public participation processes, within environment projects, programs or plans. Design/methodology/approach – Evaluation is performed with the students using three data sources: a questionnaire survey, personal interviews and assessment materials produced by the students. These data are designed to evaluate course performance in terms of: student motivation, student-content interaction, student-student interaction, student-teacher interaction, learning activities, type of evaluation, and student’s environmental citizenship attitudes and behaviours. Findings – The qualitative analysis indicates a very high level of student motivation and satisfaction with the programme. The course contents, organisation and learning regime allow students to change their attitudes about environmental domains and to feel they will contribute to others change of attitudes and behaviours. Originality/value – E-learning brings new dimensions (to traditional education when it comes to adult learning) and increases the motivation to learn about environmental issues (if the e-learning for environment course allows for new ways of exploring and solving environmental problems in an interactive way). Moreover, it may increase the readiness to learn if the students are allowed to move into new social roles through the course.
- Educação ambiental para os resíduosPublication . Martinho, Graça; Vasconcelos, Lia; Baptista, Cristina; Martinho, Ana Paula; Gonçalves, Graça; Caeiro, Sandra