Is It a Good Idea for Chemistry and Sustainability Classes to Include Industry Visits as Learning Outside the Classroom? An Initial Perspective

Omar Israel González-Peña, María Olivia Peña-Ortiz and Gustavo Morán-Soto
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Omar Israel González-Peña: School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada Sur No. 2501, Col. Tecnologico, Monterrey 64849, Mexico
María Olivia Peña-Ortiz: Department of Chemistry, University Center of Exact Sciences and Engineering at University of Guadalajara, Blvd. M. García Barragán 1451, Guadalajara 44430, Mexico
Gustavo Morán-Soto: Department of Basic Sciences, Instituto Tecnologico de Durango, Blvd. Felipe Pescador 1830, Nueva Vizcaya, Durango 34080, Mexico

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 2, 1-18

Abstract: Learning outside the classroom (LOtC) activities are part of pedagogical methodologies that are currently applied in the development of student skills. The objective of this study is to determine the perceptions of faculty and undergraduate students concerning industrial visits and define the advantages and disadvantages of these activities. A survey was designed with 17 questions, from a sample of 296 students and 32 professors from various chemistry and sustainability courses. The statistical samples correspond to a population of 2275 students and 246 professors. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and compare participant perceptions on industrial visits, as LOtC activities. Results indicated a positive perception for making industrial visits, generating more interest in the class material and helping students acquire knowledge. Despite this positive perception, it was found that professors are unlikely to organize industrial visits frequently due to the work required to plan, perform, and evaluate these activities. This issue suggests that approximately 40% of the students may lose the advantages that LOtC activities could offer. Professors must be motivated and supported by administrators to include industrial visits in their courses as a teaching strategy to provide a beneficial experience to the majority of students enrolled in chemistry and sustainability undergraduate programs.

Keywords: learning outside the classroom (LOtC); industrial visits; STEM education; education for sustainable development; educational innovation; higher education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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