University Of Ecuador Research Articles

Neutrosophic Delphi method to analyze the impact of Internships on the comprehensive development of university students

Internships play a crucial role in the comprehensive education of university students as they provide practical experience and promote the development of technical and soft skills. These practices not only promote personal development but also ease the transition into the world of work. The study aims to use a Neutrosophic Delphi method to analyze the extent to which work practices influence the comprehensive education of university students in Ecuador in 2023. A descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 410 students from academies and universities in Ecuador. Country Ecuador. Center of the country This method uses structured surveys to collect qualitative and quantitative data about the experiences, advantages, and skills acquired during internships. The results are presented in the form of data tables and statistical graphics that illustrate the close connection between professional experience and the overall educational level of students. Emphasis was placed on acquiring skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. In summary, internships are a valuable learning tool for university students as they provide the opportunity to apply knowledge, develop skills, and improve their employability.

Methodology for University Mathematics Teaching Staff: Emotional-Technological-Ontological Logic Evaluation

<p style="text-align:justify">The aim of the research was to develop a theoretical approach to describe the emotional and techno-ontological logic of mathematics teachers during distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of their emotional state on the learning process. The research approach used in this paper belongs to the qualitative paradigm. The study involved teachers and students from universities in Ecuador, both private and public. The study observed the behavior of teachers and students, analyzed the use of technology in mathematical activities, and analyzed personal opinions about the learning process of the participants of the study. A digital observation guide and open-ended interviews were used to collect data. The qualitative analysis program Atlas. Ti was used to analyze the data. The program created three categories: andragogical heterotopia of mathematics, emotional scar in teacher preparation, and perceptions of the educational process. As the results of the research showed, there was a deficit of digital professional training of teachers in the university teaching of mathematics. As a result of the research work carried out, a theoretical approach is proposed, through which it is possible to avoid the manifestation of techno-ontological logical emotions in mathematics teachers in Ecuadorian universities.</p>

What Factors are Relevant to Understanding Dropout? Analysis at a Co-Financed University in Ecuador and Policy Implications, Using Survival Cox Models

ABSTRACT University dropout is a serious problem in higher education that is increasingly gaining importance, as it is essential to understand its causes and search for public and institutional policies that can help reduce it. This research uses conventional and extended Cox survival models to analyze the factors behind dropout rates at a co-financed higher education institution (HEI) in Ecuador. The latter allows us to model specific components, such as time-dependent and independent variables, and unobserved heterogeneity. The results show that certain student-related, family-related, or background characteristics are relevant for the ecuadorian context. However, the most influential factors affecting the dropout risk are institutional and academic. These findings provide valuable insights into the actions and policies that HEI can implement to mitigate dropout rates through internal measures that public policies can complement.

Peripheral venous insufficiency in nursing personnel

Introduction: peripheral venous insufficiency (PVI) occurs as a consequence of morphological and functional abnormalities presented by the veins of the lower limbs. Objective: to determine the causes for the development of peripheral venous insufficiency in nursing personnel. Methods: the research was quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional, and was carried out in a public university in Ecuador. The sample consisted of 45 nursing professionals working in the health care and teaching areas. The selection was made by simple random sampling. Three instruments were applied: a general characteristics interview guide, a questionnaire to identify prolonged standing and a questionnaire to identify varicose veins. The data were processed with descriptive and percentage statistics. Results: 51 % were aged between 46 and 55 years, 42,2 % cared for up to 10 patients, 82 % remained standing for the longest time, 86,7 % (chose work as the place with the longest standing time and 93 % presented the symptom of pain. Conclusion: standing as the main cause and pain as the most frequent symptom

Diversity and Inclusion in Mental Health: A Collaborative Online International Learning Experience.

Graduate students in a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program in the United States and undergraduate students in a first-year English course, Writing and Rhetoric, at a university in Ecuador participated in a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) experience in Fall Semester 2021. The purpose of the COIL experience was to develop global perspectives and cultural competencies regarding diversity and inclusion in mental health. The objectives of the COIL experience were to identify and discuss changes in thinking in four areas: eugenics and cultural bias, cultural bias in research, culture and mental illness, and institutional and care policies. Groups of students created educational posters about diversity and inclusion in mental health that were presented at a virtual mini conference to which other students and faculty at the participating universities were invited.

Repository for academic documents, algorithms and data: A utility in an educational context

Data repositories currently constitute essential programs within institutions. In fact, universities are the primary institutions that promote the creation, management and storage for the safekeeping of a variety of documents, data and/or projects. This work is carried out within the framework of institutional need and the application of knowledge by the students and professors in the software degree program at a university in Ecuador. This project centers on a web application that makes it possible to manage, upload and download resources. This initial version focuses on the resources related to academic projects, data sets and algorithms. The scalability characteristics have been carefully introduced to ensure a progressive evolution of other types of resources and functionalities, in accordance with educational needs. Several aspects of the web interfaces are based on the characteristics of other existing repositories, and a series of tests related to functionality have been conducted in order to move beyond the introductory stage of use, to begin with, by the university community. This project is carried out according to a conception based on contributions, in which the agents, in principle, are members of the institution. The intensive and collaborative use of this utility will contribute to the growth of a data culture within the institution. Furthermore, the collection and organization of data for the purposes of study and research by the different university degree programs makes it possible to analyze and contrast them from different perspectives.

Factors that Influence Major Choice of Pedagogy of National and Foreign Languages Students at Santa Elena University, Ecuador

This study aims to determine the variables that affect the Pedagogy of National and Foreign Language Majors at Santa Elena University in Ecuador and what inspires young students to begin and complete this major. Quantitative research is used in this study. A survey in Google Forms was used to gather data, and multiple-choice questions included 100 students selected randomly from the UPSE Pre-university courses. They are members of both locations at the Villamil Playas branch and the UPSE headquarters. This study shows that most students are intrinsically driven to become English teachers because they enjoy the language. However, some of them were under family pressure. A sizable portion is determined to earn the major despite all odds. The students must complete a rigorous academic program, achieve CEF proficiency in English at level B2, and work on an educational project based on conducting research at various local institutions as part of their development as major students. Additionally, they get to work on a study case pulled from the classroom where they practice for their pre-professional jobs. To conclude this work, it is necessary to emphasize that while there are many alternatives based on careers like technology and environment, being an English teacher is among the students' choices in Santa Elena Province.

An Analysis of the Impact of Social Networking Sites on Students’ Performance in English as a Foreign Language. The Case of Ecuadorian Polytechnic Undergraduate Students

This article aimed to identify the usefulness of using social networking sites (SNSs) in an English as a foreign language class. One hundred sixteen undergraduate students of diverse degrees from a polytechnic state-owned university in Ecuador participated in the study, which followed a quantitative design. A descriptive analysis and a linear regression model were used to analyze the data gathered through an online survey. Results reported that participants agreed on average with all the propositions, thus confirming their perception of the usefulness of the SNSs used in class. Also, it was identified that the factors “Interaction with the teacher” ( t = −0.116, p = .908) and “Engagement” ( t = 1.508, p = .133) are not statistically significant predictors of student performance. Also, the factors “Interaction with peers” ( t = 11.717, p < .001) and “Influence on cooperative learning” ( t = 10.088, p < .001) were significant predictors in the model. The results of this investigation directly impact teachers’ practice and students who will be the first recipients of the advantages of using this tool in class.

Psychometric properties of the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ) from a sample of Ecuadorian college students

Cognitive Fusion is related to psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression, and is assessed through the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ). Aim: to confirm the unidimensional structure of the CFQ, its internal consistency reliability, and convergent and divergent validity in a sample of Ecuadorian college students. Method: instrumental design using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to estimate convergent and divergent validity of the CFQ. Participants: 356 college students (59.1% women) aged between 18 and 58 years (M = 25.52, SD = 7.51) from several universities in Ecuador (43.9% public institutions). Results: the unidimensional structure of the CFQ is confirmed, through adequate fit indices. Its reliability is excellent (ω = .954) and, regarding convergent and divergent validity, it correlates positively with Experiential Avoidance (AAQ-II) and negatively with Satisfaction with Life (SWLS). Conclusion: The Psychometric properties of the CFQ are adequate for its application in Ecuadorian college students.

Impact of intellectual capital on organizational performance through intrinsic motivation in higher education institutions

The purpose of this research is to analyze the relationship between intellectual capital and organizational performance with the mediating rol of intrinsic motivation in higher education institutions. We conducted an empirical study with a sample of 815 employees from public and private universities in Ecuador. Data were obtained from an instrument adapted the previous researchadministered to faculty and administrative staff in management positions. A structural equation modelling approach was used to analyze the relationships between variables and their magnitude and direction. The results showed a significant relationship between intellectual capital and organizational performance, with a partial mediation of intrinsic motivation. No significant differences were found in the effect of intellectual capital between public and private universities. Managers who aim to improve the performance of their organizations with their intellectual capital can benefit from the intrinsic motivation of their employees. This research shows intrinsic motivation as a mediator between intellectual capital and organizational performance, but also analyzes their relationships based on the Self-Determination Theory, which is a novelty according to the existing literature.

Perceptions of peer-teaching strategy in the English major at a public university in Ecuador.

The aim of this article is to identify the different perceptions of teachers, peer teachers and learners about the peer teaching strategy. Which in detail consists of the process in which students learn from each other, some benefits of this teaching strategy include developing students' collaboration and communication skills, building students' confidence, and the ability to take control of their own learning. Learners are more comfortable with collaborative work, working with their peers, making them able to interact, engage in reflection, and explore ideas more deeply than in a teach[1]er-tutor-led environment. This research was developed under the principles of qualitative research because it focused on recollection of the perceptions of the peer teaching strategy of the participants in the English major at a public university in Ecuador, through the application of semi-structured interviews, of the studied subjects who fulfilled the roles of the English teacher, peer teachers and peer learners, throughout the application of the teaching strategy. The analysis of the data collected was thematic, it was concluded from this that both the tutor and the students developed team spirit and more empathetic relationships; increased psychological well-being, social competence, communication skills, and self-esteem; higher performance and higher productivity in terms of better learning outcomes and English development. Overall, peer teaching had a positive impact and taking when it was aimed at students, as well as increased participation and skills of peer teachers and learners.

Determining Ecuadorian Undergraduate English Polytechnic Students’ Speaking Anxiety While Making Presentations in Virtual Environments During COVID-19

Using oral presentations in foreign language classrooms is a widespread practice. This form of oral exercise entails generating speaking anxiety in students. This paper aimed to identify the anxiety levels experienced when learners do in-class presentations. A mixed-methods design was adopted. The Public Speaking Class Anxiety Scale (PSCAS) was utilized for the quantitative phase. Eight open-ended questions were used for the qualitative phase. One hundred thirty-two students of English registered at a public polytechnic university in Ecuador took part in the quantitative phase of the study. Twelve of them took part in the interviews. The data were analyzed using Factor Analysis which related three sources of anxiety “Communication apprehension,” “Apprehension to peer’s reactions,” and “Apprehension during the presentations.” The majority of participants were found to experience high levels of anxiety. Several implications stem from this study. Raising awareness of speaking anxiety among language department administrators and teachers is one.

The Attention of Students in Online Education

The level of attention of students who receive classes through videoconferencing platforms is troubling. Different throughout an entire lecture, the instructor can perceive the participants' behavior, while in an online class, it is difficult to determine if they are attentive to the instructions given. An innovative method that helps solve this problem is the use of computer vision algorithms, with methods such as face detection, facial landmarks, face recognition, and head pose detection based on deep learning networks. In this paper, a neural network was trained using facial landmarks to estimate head position and thus attention levels. The model was applied in five classes using different videoconferencing platforms in the Intelligent Systems subject of a private university in Ecuador. Some limitations, such as lighting and video quality, affected the level of accuracy. The number of registered participants was 12, of which between 30% and 80% attended. The maximum level of attention detected was 91.9%, while the minimum level was 86.6%. This case study proves that the head position detection function employed by many videoconferencing platforms is a useful parameter that aids the instructor in this type of context.

INTENCIÓN EMPRENDEDORA EN LOS ESTUDIANTES DE UNA UNIVERSIDAD PUBLICA Y UNA UNIVERSIDAD PRIVADA EN EL ECUADOR

La investigación realizó un análisis comparativo de la intención emprendedora en los estudiantes de dos instituciones de educación superior del Ecuador - pública y privada-. Se utilizó un estudio exploratorio en 1507 estudiantes para comprobar si existen diferencias significativas en la deseabilidad, factibilidad e intención para emprender. Los resultados revelan que existe diferencias en los elementos de la intencionalidad entre las dos muestras de estudiantes. Además, el género solo influye en la intención emprendedora en la universidad privada y los familiares influencian en la intención emprendedora en ambas instituciones. Existen implicaciones para los educadores en fortalecer los programas de emprendimiento.

Quality of the academic research of a postgraduate degree in surgery from a public university in Ecuador

Introduction: The lack of solidity of educational research (ER) in a high percentage and the loss of integrity in the methodology have been reported. The objective of the present study was to determine the quality of the ERs of postgraduate surgery at a public university in Ecuador. We hypothesize that the acceptable theses are equal to 70%. Methods: The present study reviewed the thesis of surgery at the University of Cuenca from January 2010 to November 2019. The probabilistic sample selection was 48 cases. A 51-question EI quality test was used. The values of each variable were homologated as a percentage. A single sample T-test was performed, and bivariate correlations were determined using the Spearman coefficient. Significant values were R> 0.5 and P <0.01. The hypothesis test was performed with Chi square. Results: Of 48 randomized theses, the lowest average was in the “Hypothesis” sections (41.6% [35.3-47.8]), and the highest was in the “Results” sections (93.5% [91.4-95.7]). The relevance was 97.9% (93.7-102.1). 35 theses (72.9%) were rated as “Acceptable”. The Hypothesis and References sections were rated as “Not acceptable” in 70.8% and 79.2%, respectively. The “results” section obtained the rating of “Excellent” in 93.8%. The hypothesis was accepted, and the group had an acceptable quality equal to 70%”, Chi2 = 0.2208, P = 0.64. Conclusion: The quality of educational research is equal to the 70% raised in the hypothesis, which highlights a minimum sufficiency rating for the educational research studied in this work.

Motivating Learning Through Digital Apps: The Importance of Relatedness Satisfaction

The use of ICTs to enhance education is challenging, especially when institutions lack the resources to build efficient technologies. The use of ICTs, however, can facilitate processes and communication—elements that are essential to create a supportive school environment and enhance student learning motivation. In this study, we assess the effectiveness of OdontoApp, 1 a tool created using a free-service provider with the goal of improving communication and centralizing processes in a dentistry program at a university in Ecuador, using Self-Determination Theory and the Motivational Technology Model as theoretical frameworks. Through a survey study (N = 114), we found that features of the App that enhance a sense of relatedness increase students’ learning motivation. However, the benefits of the app are contingent on students’ acceptance of learning technologies and how promptly they receive answers to their queries.

Resilience and Academic Dropout in Ecuadorian University Students during COVID-19

The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has had a global impact that has affected all areas of people’s lives. However, people have different capacities to adapt and cope with the adversities and traumatic events that may have occurred during the pandemic with different levels of resilience. One collective affected by this global crisis was university students, who had to face an unprecedented academic situation, resulting in some abandoning their studies. This study aims to analyse whether the resilience of the students could be related to academic dropout. To carry out this research, we assessed the resilience of 1676 university students from 11 universities in Ecuador. To do so, a committee of experts from the Ecuadorian Association of Social Work Education Centres and 11 Ecuadorian universities designed a questionnaire and sent it to the entire sample. Subsequently, we compared the levels of resilience between university students who withdrew from university during the COVID-19 pandemic with those who continued their studies by using a multivariate analysis. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in all variables analysed. The students who obtained the highest scores were those who continued their studies, and those students who dropped out obtained the lowest scores. In summary, we found that school dropout among Ecuadorian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic was due to low levels of resilience. Therefore, increasing student resilience could improve university retention rates and, in turn, academic performance and future life prospects.

Improving oral communication skills of English learners with voice messages and short videos

University students face the challenge of communicating in a foreign language while speaking. This is perceived as one of the most complex skills to develop. The lack of opportunities to interact in the target language, in and out of the English classrooms, prevents students from acquiring fluency and confidence. This study examines the development of students' oral communication skills of Level B1 (Pre-Intermediate level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) using the WhatsApp applications. Forty–five EFL learners aged 18-25 from a language center at a university in Ecuador performed exercises using voice messages and short videos as part of their course planned activities. The data collection method consisted of surveys and interviews with the participants and their teacher’s observations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation accordingly. Analysis of the data evidenced that short videos were far more effective than voice messaging in improving the participants' oral communication skills. Other benefits were the improvement of grammar and pronunciation observed in the learners' voice messages, with the consequent improvement of their speaking fluency. It can be said that the participants' overall oral communication skills developed with the use of the WhatsApp application in this study. Therefore, the authors recommend exploring the application of technological resources in the EFL classroom.

Evaluation of a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL): A food product analysis and development project

ABSTRACT Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) has gained popularity due to its effectiveness in bringing cross-cultural awareness to the learning environment and providing college students a rich international experience while at their home university. This new educational approach uses digital technology to link university courses together from around the world to build students’ cross-cultural competence. Forty-four students enrolled in a Global Nutrition Class at a university in California, and 14 students in a Culinary Innovation course at a university in Ecuador, participated in a 15-week COIL project. Over the course of the semester, students worked in groups to complete a food product analysis project. After the course, students completed a questionnaire that assessed their cultural competence, collaborative learning outcomes, outcomes related to nutrition or culinary innovation, and overall course satisfaction. Results revealed that there were significant pre to post changes in cultural competency among study participants. Additionally, 91% of study participants reported that they were highly satisfied with the COIL project. Eighty percent of students said that collaborative learning through COIL helped them achieve good academic performance. Gender, ethnicity, and university location were not significant factors associated with learning outcomes. In conclusion, the COIL project positively contributed to student learning outcomes.

The University Teacher: Catalyst of the Emotional-Technological-Ontological Logic in the Teaching of Exact Sciences

The aim of the study was to design a theoretical approach to the existing techno-ontological logical emotions of university mathematics teachers working in universities in Ecuador. The research was qualitative. For the selection of the sample, a random selection was carried out under the criterion of intentionality. Twenty (20) students and eight (8) mathematics teachers from different universities participated. For data collection, we used a participatory digital observation guide and an open-ended interview. Three categories emerged from the results: the andragogic retrotopia of being a mathematician, the emotional scar in teacher training and the educational perception of the university student. We conclude with a theoretical approach in which the deficit of professional digital training in mathematical sciences allows the emotional logic of the Ecuadorian teacher to drive him/her to portray an academic being that generates hatred and rejection in the university educational community.