Using 3D Printing as a Strategy for Including Different Student Learning Styles in the Classroom

Abstract

This chapter aims to explore the contribution of 3D printing technologies as a collaborative resource in higher education teaching. It was conducted in the course “Physics of Materials,” in which the contribution of practical experience in the learning process was analyzed and the degree of interest, motivation, and understanding by students on academic content was assessed. Practical demonstrations with resources prepared by 3D printing can be a very motivational learning facilitator. To this end, the learning styles of students were determined through the Honey-Alonso learning styles questionnaire (CHAEA). A second questionnaire was used to obtain information about the motivational importance of 3D printing technology in teaching activities in the classroom. The authors concluded that 3D printing can positively help teachers to improve students' engagement and proactive behavior, as well as teaching environment, by including different methodological styles in the learning process, particularly in courses with a significant theoretical content.