On Tuesday, May 12, starting at 11.00 a.m., the doctoral thesis defense of the PhD candidate Albert Valls Pou will take place in the Sala de Graus of La Salle Campus Barcelona. The thesis, entitled 'Integration of the STEAM approach within the competency-based curricular framework of the 21st century through active methodologies and educational technology: a case study in educational contexts', has been carried out under the direction of Dr Xavier Canaleta Llampallas and Dr Daniel Amo Filvà. The doctoral student is part of the HER research group.
In a context that prioritizes digital transformation and the need to adapt education to the challenges of the 21st century, educational institutions must evolve toward more competency-based, interdisciplinary, and technologically integrated learning models. Within this framework, the STEAM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) represent an opportunity to promote active, reality-connected learning. However, their implementation within the current competency-based curriculum still faces conceptual and methodological limitations, particularly concerning the integration of technology and the development of transversal competencies. This thesis aims to analyse the integration of the STEAM approach in real educational contexts through active learning methodologies and the use of educational technologies including educational robotics, computational thinking, and digital platforms. The study examines how these resources contribute to the development of key 21st-century competencies such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity, while also exploring the potential of artificial intelligence as an emerging pedagogical support tool.
The research adopts a mixed-methods design based on a systematic literature review and three case studies carried out in different educational contexts. Data collection combines qualitative (classroom observations, interviews, and document analysis) and quantitative (questionnaires and competency rubrics) instruments, with the aim of identifying good practices, success factors, and recurring challenges in the implementation of STEAM-based models.
The findings provide evidence of the impact of educational technologies on students’ competency development and describe active learning models that strengthen the connection between the STEAM approach, and the competency demands of contemporary society. This research thus contributes to academic debate and educational innovation by offering a framework for analysis and action to support the effective implementation of the STEAM approach within the 21st-century competency-based curriculum
El tribunal està integrat pel president, Dr. Faraón Llorens Largo; el secretari, Dr. David Vernet Bellet; i la vocal, Dra. Marta López Costa.