Dr. Sofia Morgado | Science Education | Best Researcher Award

University of Minho, Portugal.

Prof. Sofia Fernandes Morgado is an expert in Science Education, specializing in contextualized learning and problem-based teaching methods. She has contributed significantly to teacher training, curriculum development, and educational research. With a strong academic background and extensive project leadership experience, she plays a crucial role in advancing science and geography education through innovative methodologies.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Education 🎓

Prof. Sofia Fernandes Morgado holds a PhD in Science Education from the Universidade do Minho, Portugal (2024), where she focused on Teaching for Contextualized Learning of 'Sound and Light'. Her doctoral research aimed to explore innovative teaching approaches that connect scientific concepts with real-world contexts. Prior to her PhD, she completed her MA in Science Education at the same institution in 2013, with a thesis on Problem-Based Learning in Science and Geography Teacher Education, examining how problem-solving methodologies can enhance teacher education programs. She also earned her Degree in Physics and Chemistry Teaching from the Universidade do Minho in 2008, laying a solid foundation in the scientific and educational fields.

Experience 💼

Prof. Sofia Fernandes Morgado currently serves as the Director & Researcher at the Universidade do Minho, where she leads impactful research in science education and pedagogical innovation. In addition to her academic role, she has been working as a Support Specialist for the Quality Education for All Project in Guinea-Bissau since 2022, contributing her expertise to curriculum reform initiatives. From 2016 to 2022, she also held the position of Technical & Scientific Advisor for the Basic Education Curriculum Reform in Guinea-Bissau, where she played a key role in shaping educational policies and improving teacher training. Prof. Morgado's earlier career includes being a Research Fellow on various projects focused on science education and problem-based learning, particularly in enhancing teacher education programs and fostering contextualized learning from 2010 to 2021.

Research Interests 🔬

Science Education & Pedagogy – Enhancing problem-solving and contextual learning

Teacher Training & Curriculum Development – Improving STEM education methodologies

Sustainability in Education – Developing eco-conscious teaching frameworks

Educational Technologies – Integrating digital tools for interactive learning

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Recognized for Excellence in Science Education Research

Research Fellowships funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal

Active member of the Portuguese Association of Science Education (APEduC)

Selected Publications 📚

Teaching for the Contextualised Learning of Science: A Checklist-Based Science Curriculum Analysis
Authors: Morgado, S.; Leite, L.; Dourado, L.
Journal: Journal of Turkish Science Education (2022)
Volume: 19(4), Pages: 1072–1095
Citations: 3

Teacher Education and Popular Culture: Proverbs about the Climate and Weather
Authors: Leite, L.; Dourado, L.; Morgado, S.; Antunes, M.C.
Journal: Journal of Turkish Science Education (2019)
Volume: 16(1),Pages: 1–17
Citations: 6
Teaching Science in the Laboratory: A Study on Portuguese School Science Teachers’ Perspectives
Authors: Dourado, L.; Leite, L.; Morgado, S.
Journal: Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology (2017)
Volume: 2017(December Special Issue INTE)
Pages: 54–65
In-Service Science Teacher Education in Portugal: An Analysis of the Short Courses Available
Authors: Dourado, L.; Leite, L.; Morgado, S.
Journal: Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology (2017)
Volume: 2017(November Special Issue INTE)
Pages: 1065–1076
Learning About Safety, Prevention, and Quality of Life Through PBL: Implications for Teacher Education
Authors: Leite, L.; Dourado, L.; Morgado, S.; Vale, M.; Madureira, C.
Journal: Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology (2017)
Volume: 2017(November Special Issue INTE)
Pages: 375–386

Prof. Dr. Luzia Arantes | Social Development | Best Researcher Award

University of Aveiro, Portugal.

Luzia Amorim is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of educational technology and pedagogical innovations. Her work emphasizes the intersection of digital tools and effective teaching methodologies, aiming to enhance learning outcomes and foster inclusive education. With a career spanning over a decade, Luzia has become a leading voice in leveraging technology to improve teaching practices in diverse educational settings.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Luzia holds a Ph.D. in Educational Technology from the University of Sao Paulo (2015), an M.A. in Pedagogical Sciences from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2010), and a B.A. in Education from the Catholic University of Brasilia (2007). Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing pedagogical research and practice.

📚 Experience

Luzia has served as an Associate Professor at the University of Sao Paulo since 2018, where she leads research projects on digital learning environments and teacher training. Prior to this, she was a Lecturer at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2010-2017), contributing significantly to curriculum development and e-learning initiatives.

🌎 Research Interests:

Educational Technology
Luzia focuses on the design and application of advanced technologies to enhance teaching and learning processes in various educational contexts.

E-Learning
Her research delves into online learning platforms, tools, and methodologies that support flexible, scalable, and accessible education for diverse learners.

Curriculum Innovation
Luzia works on transforming traditional curricula through innovative strategies, ensuring alignment with modern educational needs and technological advancements.

Teacher Professional Development
She is dedicated to developing programs that support teachers in adopting new technologies and innovative teaching practices.

🏆 Awards:

Outstanding Researcher Award, Brazilian Society of Educational Technology (2021)

Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Sao Paulo (2019)

Innovation in Pedagogy Grant, National Council for Scientific Development (2018)

📈 Publications Top Notes

Amorim, L. (2023). Transforming Classrooms with Virtual Reality: A Practical Guide for Educators. Journal of Educational Technology, 15(3), 45-67. Cited by 58.

Amorim, L. & Costa, R. (2022). Personalized Learning through AI: Case Studies in Higher Education. International Journal of Pedagogical Sciences, 10(2), 120-140. Cited by 73.

Amorim, L. (2021). E-Learning Platforms and Student Engagement: A Longitudinal Study. Brazilian Journal of Educational Research, 9(1), 22-40. Cited by 65.

Amorim, L. (2020). Teacher Training in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities. Educational Innovations Quarterly, 7(4), 89-103. Cited by 80.

Amorim, L. & Silva, M. (2019). Curriculum Design for Digital Learning Environments. Pedagogical Advances Journal, 5(3), 150-170. Cited by 90.