Universidad
Politécnica de Madrid

Research in education within the framework of STEAM areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) is essential at leading technological universities. However, while the didactics of mathematics and applied sciences have a tradition spanning more than half a century, the field of research in engineering and technology education is relatively new, —especially when considering institutions with a predominantly technological focus. At the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), research in STEAM education has been carried out independently by many faculty members, and therefore, this program is an opportunity to strengthen this research field. This is why the Doctorate in Education in Science and Technology (EduCyT) at UPM is both relevant and necessary. It is part of the official postgraduate offerings of the Institute of Educational Sciences and the Polytechnic School of Higher Education. The main objective of this Doctorate program is to train highly qualified professionals in research and innovation in the field of Science and Technology Education. More specifically, it seeks to meet the demand for research to improve Science and Technology Teacher Training—in subjects and/or degrees in the STEAM areas—through a sustainable program that combines pedagogical and technological knowledge. The program features two distinct research subfields: 1. Teaching and Learning Processes in Science and Technology (STEAM area), focused on research into psychopedagogical issues such as methodologies, assessment, monitoring, and mentoring; and 2. Educational Technologies Applied to Science and Technology (STEAM area), focused on investigating the impact of technologies on the educational process. The official PhD degree in Science and Technology Education from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid demonstrates the commitment to improving the initial training of teachers in the STEAM fields. That is, it is linked to teaching in Science and Technology. The program will also allow for monitoring of teachers' ongoing professional development and will pursue scientific evidence to support the best teaching practices in the classroom.