BIO-FIBRE: Development of the Education Methodology

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ BIO-FIBRE project, an innovative educational methodology was developed. The aim was to introduce and integrate student-centered pedagogies, such as flipped learning, project-based learning, research-based learning, blended learning, and collaborative online international learning, into the course “Green Construction with Bio-Composite Materials”. The development of the methodology began with research on the required competences in green construction with bio-composite materials in each participating country (Denmark, Lithuania, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands). The required competences were mapped and summarised. Next, professors from partner institutions analysed innovative pedagogical approaches, their advantages, disadvantages, application strategies, and practical cases. The development of competences was directly linked to innovative study approaches, and a common methodology, including guidelines, was prepared. To present the methodology, an intensive training course for teachers was organised by VILNIUS TECH in Vilnius, Lithuania for 34 teachers and trainers. A feedback survey revealed that 91% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the training. They reported having learned about new, innovative learning practices and teaching methods and expressed willingness to introduce these approaches in their own teaching. The development methodological framework was subsequently tested in the course “Green Construction with Bio-Composite Materials” and further improved based on feedback from both students and teachers. The methodological framework is available on the project website: https://bio-fibre.org.