Abstract

This paper represents a development process of the energy concept maps in higher education learning environment, in order to foster new and innovative learning experiences as well as improve the understanding of energy planning, especially from the interdisciplinary perspectives, including energy, environment, spatial planning. Energy concept maps were developed based on sustainable energy action plans to build a common knowledge base. The use of the energy concept maps developed were tested by 24 lecturers and 206 students from six European countries, comprising Slovenia, Croatia, Portugal, Italy, Spain and Malta. The learning processes were evaluated based on self-evaluation of competencies as well as external evaluation of students’ knowledge and understanding of energy planning. The evaluation process revealed that participants included in learning activities gained new knowledge and competences in the energy planning and have a better understanding of a relationship between different concepts, subjects, developed a critical thinking, and proved their problem solving ability. Our study acknowledges the efficiency of the learning process in energy planning education by using concept maps.