Analysis of social networks may be a useful tool for understanding the relationship between resilience and engagement, and this could be applied to educational methodologies, not only to improve academic performance, but also to create emotionally sustainable networks. This descriptive study was carried out on 134 university students. We collected the network structural variables, degree of resilience (CD-RISC 10), and engagement (UWES-S). The computer programs used were excel, UCINET for network analysis, and SPSS for statistical analysis. The analysis revealed results of means of 28.61 for resilience, 2.98 for absorption, 4.82 for dedication, and 3.13 for vigour. The students had two preferred places for sharing information: the classroom and WhatsApp. The greater the value for engagement, the greater the degree of centrality in the friendship network among students who are beginning their university studies. This relationship becomes reversed as the students move to later academic years. In terms of resilience, the highest values correspond to greater centrality in the friendship networks. The variables of engagement and resilience influenced the university students’ support networks.

Objective: to explore the potentialities of the Photovoice methodology to stimulate critical thinking on Social Determinants of Health. Method: an exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach, using different steps of the Photovoice methodology. Nursing students obtained photographs in their community, showing Social Determinants of Health, analyzed and classified the photographs, and exposed the results in the Nursing school. The students answered a questionnaire writing their perceptions. The data collected from the questionnaires were qualitatively analyzed. Results: 91 students participated in the study. Two main categories emerged from the data: Photovoice is a good methodology to stimulate critical thinking on Social Determinants of Health, and Photovoice is a good methodology to stimulate other skills (expressing beliefs and perceptions, stimulating creativity, developing research skills, strengthening ties with colleagues, and attracting attention). Conclusion: we explore the potentialities of the Photovoice methodology. It can be an original, simple and economical tool to stimulate critical thinking on Social Determinants of Health, and to stimulate other skills. Photovoice can be considered in teaching about aspects related to health/care in Nursing students, in order to promote critical thinking of future agents for a change in health.

Purpose Higher education institutions have a significant impact in preparing future generations for the creation of a sustainable society. By formulating appropriate curricula, the university can shape student personality with sustainability concerns. This study aims to present the results of a teaching approach on environmental sustainability using the photovoice methodology. A guided visit to the sewage treatment plant of A Coruña was included as a teaching activity in the “Microbiology and Parasitology” classes of the podiatry degree at University of A Coruña. The teaching objectives were to reinforce contents through observation and to introduce citizen awareness on sustainability and responsible water use in a cross-sectional manner. Design/methodology/approach In this case study, different steps of photovoice as a qualitative participatory action methodology were developed. A total of 43 university students willingly participated with their photographs. Qualitative data were collected from the students’ photovoice visit reports and a subsequent discussion group. Thematic content analysis was performed manually. Findings This study explored the impact of an environmental sustainability teaching activity on the university student community. Six main categories emerged from the qualitative analysis: savings/waste of water, misuse of the water closet, disposing of used oil, solid waste/trash, reuse of clean water and reuse/reduction of the use of plastics. The cross-sectional findings on the needs of education and awareness of sustainability in the community and companies are presented. Originality/value The findings provide evidence of the ability of photovoice method as a pedagogical tool to promote reflection and change in the university community and to introduce sustainability cross-sectional content in green campus curricula. This photovoice experiment is simple and feasible to implement and has a very low economic cost, as long as there are qualified educators.