Concept maps are graphic learning tools that allow teachers and students to organize, represent knowledge, and visualize the relationships between concepts to promote understanding of physics. This study describes an innovative experience based on the development of concept maps with the aim of analyzing the perception of students in a teacher training program in natural sciences and environmental education at a public university in Colombia. The research subjects were 24 students studying basic physics who used concept maps for learning, and the data were analyzed quantitatively using a non-experimental design. The results show that the trainee teachers learned to elaborate concept maps, valuing very positively their educational applications to improve learning. It is concluded that concept mapping can be used to increase students’ understanding and motivation which should help to improve their academic performance.

The teaching of physics should be supported by practical or laboratory activities that seek to develop the scientific competencies of the students who study physics, so it is necessary to propose innovative strategies, such as research-based learning, in which students answer research questions through the analysis of data, which increases the interaction between the student and the physical concepts under investigation. Therefore, the objective of the study was to analyze the beliefs of teachers in natural science training at a public university in Colombia who take the subject of physics on research-based learning, to provide information on how to guide the use of innovative strategies. The study responds to a type of quantitative research with a descriptive approach and was based on a field design. On the other hand, the results reflect slightly positive beliefs of students in initial teacher training who study physics about research-based learning as an innovative strategy, although it is recommended to expand the sample to generalize. Finally, the analysis reveals as a conclusion that the implementation of innovative methodologies such as inquiry-based learning for science teaching, especially physics, should be promoted and supported more effectively to foster motivation, skills development, and conceptual understanding. of the scientific contents.