Innovative Approaches in STEM: Strategies Based on Virtual Physics Experiments and Advanced Mathematical Reasoning to Strengthen University Scientific Competencies

Abstract

Higher education in STEM fields has undergone a gradual transformation driven by the incorporation of digital technologies and innovative pedagogical approaches, among which virtual physics experiments and strategies focused on advanced mathematical reasoning stand out. These approaches have emerged in response to the demands of scientific education oriented towards complex problem-solving, the development of critical thinking, and the transfer of knowledge to diverse academic and professional settings, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional models centred on content delivery and procedural repetition. Virtual learning environments enable the simulation of complex physical phenomena and their representation through mathematical models, fostering deeper conceptual understanding and strengthening scientific competencies among university students, particularly in institutions with limited access to physical laboratories. From this perspective, the analysis of innovative STEM approaches that integrate virtual experimentation in physics with advanced mathematical reasoning makes it possible to understand their conceptual contribution to the reconfiguration of teaching and learning processes. The findings indicate that this integration promotes an integrative view of scientific learning, in which technology-mediated experimentation and advanced mathematical thinking operate in a complementary manner, contributing to a more coherent, active, and conceptually grounded university education.