Assessment of the Didactic Potential of Geomorphosites: A Study Case in Spain and Italy

Rosa María Ruiz-Pedrosa (), Paola Coratza, Vittoria Vandelli and Enrique Serrano
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Rosa María Ruiz-Pedrosa: Pangea Research Group, Department of Geography, University of Salamanca, 37002 Salamanca, Spain
Paola Coratza: Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
Vittoria Vandelli: Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 103, 41125 Modena, Italy
Enrique Serrano: Pangea Research Group, Department of Geography, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-29

Abstract: Studying Geography and Geology in formal education involves learning about landforms, landscapes, and the importance of preserving Natural Heritage. Geomorphosites are valuable resources with significant educational potential, as they can help students understand Earth’s history, appreciate Natural Heritage, and recognize their cultural and historical connections to the territory. By analyzing the curricular contents of the educational systems in Spain and Italy, this research proposes a novel method, focused on formal education, to assess the didactic potential of geomorphosites. The assessment is based on (i) how representative geomorphosites are of physical processes, (ii) their potential to support interdisciplinary learning, (iii) the availability of didactic materials, and (iv) the possibility of applying field techniques. The results revealed varying levels of didactic suitability among the analyzed geomorphosites, with Ulaca Hill (Spain) and Nirano mud volcanoes (Italy) having the highest didactic potential, also allowing evaluation of their relevance across different educational stages. The application of the methodology in both the Spanish and Italian contexts, with minor adjustments, showed that this approach is readily adaptable to other educational systems. Overall, this study provides a transferable framework for integrating geomorphological heritage into formal teaching, promoting place-based learning and fostering awareness and conservation of Natural Heritage.

Keywords: geography; geology; geomorphosites; assessment method; didactic potential; Italy; Spain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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