Abstract:

The so-called bachelor of research/excellence is an educational option addressed to secondary school students who have an interest in deepening in different research methods and analysis of problems, in any research field. It allows joining the essential general training with the ability to investigate and deepen their knowledge and practice. In this sense, the working methods become fundamental. To reach this aim, cooperation with the university could be considered a realistic and cost-effective way of approaching to the learning process known as learning by research. Since 2013, the regional government of Castilla y León (Spain) has driven a bachelor of research/excellence program in collaboration with the universities in order to boost the ability of students to learn by themselves, to work as a team and to apply the appropriate research methods when facing scientific problems.

The Energy Engineering group of the University of Burgos has participated in this initiative for three years, and his experience is presented in this contribution. Technological and scientific research focused on energy concepts and applications is driven. Research challenges adapted to the learning level of secondary students have been proposed in the field of thermodynamics of environmentally friendly fluids. Experimental research and data reduction were conducted. Students behave as if they were young researchers, while the lecturers act as managers. The research method was applied in a learning-by-doing or learning-by-research experience, discovering new concepts and ideas. The performance of the students in terms of learning abilities and skills are presented in this work. Assessment experience by a mixed board involving school and university tutors is discussed. Differences found in the learning process of the secondary school students with respect to the university students are presented. The study could be useful for other teachers and lecturers interested in learning-by research methodology.

Keywords:

Learning by research, engineering education, energy.