“With Your Hands” Educational Innovation Project at Upv (Spain): Response, Acceptance and Results

Abstract

This text presents the results obtained from an experimental educational innovation project implementing new learning methodologies in three subjects from the School of Architecture of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). The main aim of this project is to bring earthen architecture closer to students in a more active and direct manner through practical construction experiences using earth. These activities were carried out as part of experimental work sessions during which different practical workshops were held. The experiments and active methodologies proposed allow students to closely observe earth and different earthen constructive techniques, while learning about alternative techniques and promoting the valorisation of these constructive systems. In order to obtain the desired objective feedback on the response, and the immediate and mediumterm development and impact of these activities among students, a survey was drawn up for students taking part (experimental group) as well as for students who were not (control group), and the data set obtained was analysed to establish whether this experience was positive for student learning. This direct feedback from students is crucial in the consolidation of the activity and to ascertain whether it answers the initial objectives set correctly or requires any adjustments, variations or changes.