DOI: https://doi.org/10.33262/ap.v7i3.1

Published: 2025-10-06

Educational management for the development of research skills in teachers

Introduction. In the current context of educational transformation, research is no longer an exclusive competence of the university sphere, but rather an urgent need at all educational levels. For teachers to develop research skills, it is essential to have a supportive institutional environment. In this regard, educational management plays a decisive role in facilitating or limiting the necessary conditions for classroom-based research. Objective. To analyze how efficient educational management can create a conducive environment for the development of research skills in teachers. Methodology. The study adopted a qualitative approach and a descriptive scope, aimed at characterizing management dynamics and their effects on teaching practice. To obtain data, a semi-structured interview was conducted with an institutional director, and a survey was administered to teachers using a Likert-scale questionnaire with ten items. This strengthened the validity of the results and facilitated interpretative analysis. Results. The presence of pedagogical leadership, strategic planning, and training spaces directly impacts teachers' motivation and engagement in research. Where managers assume an active and visionary role, research emerges as a feasible and valued practice. Conclusion. A model of educational management focused on the professional development of teachers, with a research-oriented vision and academic leadership capacity, transforms the teacher's role into that of a knowledge builder. Efficient management not only administers but also inspires, organizes, and sustains an educational community capable of investigating its own reality. General Area of Study: Education. Specific area of study: Educational management and teacher research. Type of study: Original article.

Wilson Israel Miranda Pozo, Maricela Elizabeth Sánchez Morante, César Ricardo Castillo Montúfar

6-33

Accounting 4.0: exploring the experiences of high school students in digitalized educational environments

Introduction. This study analyses the impact of digitalization in the teaching of accounting in high school and its influence on the development of digital and accounting skills in students. The general objective was to evaluate how the implementation of digital tools and active methodologies affects the academic training of future accountants. The research problem lies in the uncertainty about the effectiveness of digitalized education in accounting and in preparing students for the labor market. A quantitative methodology with a non-experimental, cross-sectional, and correlational design was used. The sample consisted of 115 students from the Tena National Educational Unit, and a survey with a Likert scale was applied to measure their perception of digital learning. The analysis included an ordinal logistic regression, which showed that digitalization has a significant effect on the development of accounting skills (p < 0.001). The conclusions indicate that digitalization improves accounting understanding, but there are challenges in teacher training and in the practical application of the knowledge acquired. It is recommended to strengthen training in accounting software, diversify digital methodologies and guarantee equitable access to technology, to optimize accounting teaching in digital environments. General area of study: education. Specific area of study: Digital Environments. Type of study: Original article

Maria Cecilia Auquilla Cando, Virginia Jacqueline Sánchez Andrade, María Gabriela Jurado Martínez

34-61

Socioeconomic factors and their influence on the academic performance of technical high school students in rural areas

Introduction: The academic performance of students in rural areas is conditioned by multiple socioeconomic factors and, in this case, the study explains how these aspects affect technical degree students living in Rumipamba, Ecuador. Objectives: The objective of this research work is to implement workable solutions and strategies that could help with the urban-rural gap in obtaining educational achievement. Methodology: The present study was descriptive, correlational, and non-experimental using a mixed approach: quantitative and qualitative. A structured survey was conducted with 11 students of the second year of the Educational Unit "Rumipamba" Bachelor Computer Technician. Results: The analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, which made it possible to determine that 45% of the students have economic problems, as well as a similar percentage do not have an appropriate place to study. As well as 36% do not have the appropriate technology and only 18% have enough free time to study. Additionally, this study revealed that 64% of students feel that they have some family support, although some label it as poor. Conclusions: In conclusion, the impact of socioeconomic factors significantly affects academic performance. Economic structure, in terms of financial condition, restricts access to a multitude of resources, technology, or even the time needed to dedicate to studying. Therefore, it is suggested to implement educational strategies and policies adapted to the rural environment. General area of study: Education. Specific area of study: Pedagogy in technical and vocational training. Type of study: Original article.

Maribel del Rocío Paredes Cabezas, César Picuasi Diaz, Jose Rolando Picuasi Diaz, Ramón Guzmán Hernández

62-88

The role of the teacher in the academic performance of natural sciences in tenth grade basic education students

Introduction. This study analyzes the factors influencing learning difficulties in Natural Sciences, highlighting the impact of didactic, attitudinal, environmental, and structural components within the school setting. It is observed that conventional models negatively affect educational progress. In contrast, the integration of virtual tools and metacognitive strategies fosters skills such as independence, reflective thinking, and a willingness to explore. Objective. To propose interactive digital resources that contribute to improving the academic performance of tenth-grade students in the subject of Natural Sciences. Methodology. The study was structured using a mixed-methods approach with a descriptive design, which enabled the evaluation of achievement levels in the subject through quantitative and qualitative methods. Thirty-two students participated by completing Likert-scale questionnaires. The information was processed using basic statistical tools. Results. The findings reveal perceptions related to conceptual understanding and platform usage, although limitations linked to time management persist. Conclusion. The implementation of educational technologies enhances interest, student engagement, and cognitive development, whereas their absence hinders knowledge acquisition. The small sample size limited the generalizability of the results; however, the evidence provides a solid foundation for proposals aimed at enriching teaching practices and strengthening instruction through an innovative lens. General field of study: Educational Sciences. Specific area of study: Teaching Natural Sciences through digital technologies. Type of study: Original Article.

Maritza Elizabeth Lozada Segura, Pamela Alexandra Rodríguez Pacheco, Gilberto Suárez Suárez, Elizabeth Esther Vergel Parejo

89-111

Training agricultural students in the responsible use of agrochemicals: a critical and constructive perspective

Introduction: The inappropriate use of agrochemicals continues to be a relevant problem in the agricultural field, due to its direct implications for human health, the quality of ecosystems and the sustainability of agricultural production. Faced with this panorama, it becomes urgent to rethink the training of future professionals in the sector, incorporating a critical and conscious perspective on the management of these inputs. Objectives: This study examines current training practices in agricultural institutions and reflects on their limitations regarding the approach to the responsible use of agrochemicals. Educational strategies are proposed to develop technical, ethical, and socio-environmental competencies in students to face this reality. Methodology: This research is part of the field of educational research and is classified as a study with a critical-propositional qualitative approach, complemented with elements of the mixed approach. Results: Among the proposals are the strengthening of theoretical and practical knowledge, the inclusion of agroecological content as viable alternatives, the promotion of the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and articulation with key actors in the rural environment, such as farmers, teachers, and families. These actions seek to promote a culture of prevention, sustainability, and co-responsibility in the face of the use of agrochemicals. Conclusions: In conclusion, the study advocates for a critical agricultural education oriented towards sustainability, capable of training professionals committed to food safety, environmental care, and collective health. General Area of Study: Educational Sciences. Specific area of study: Environmental and Agricultural Education for Sustainable Development. Type of study: Original article.

Jacobo Ismael Pozo Benítez, Ramon Guzmán Hernández

130-153

Creative seeds in the expanded classroom: a digital ecosystem for cultivating transmedia narratives in 21st-century schoolchildren

Introduction. The expanded classroom emerges as a key concept in this process, allowing educational environments to transcend physical barriers and integrate with digital ecosystems that favor interactive and collaborative learning. Objective. The general objective of this research was to analyze the impact of a digital ecosystem based on transmedia narratives on the development of creativity of basic education students in an expanded classroom. The problem of study focuses on the lack of pedagogical strategies that effectively integrate transmedia narratives into learning, which limits the creative capacity of students. It was hypothesized that the implementation of this digital ecosystem significantly influences the development of creative skills in children. Methodology. The methodology used was not experimental, cross-sectional, or quantitative, with a sample of 67 students. Structured questionnaires were applied, and the data were analyzed using statistical tests such as Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Spearman. Results. The most relevant result indicated that there is a significant evaluation (ρ = 0.598, p = 0.000) between the integration of transmedia narratives and the development of creativity. Conclusion. The main conclusion is that the implementation of this digital ecosystem is an effective strategy to enhance children's creativity if it is accompanied by adequate planning and teacher training in transmedia methodologies. General Area of Study: Education. Specific Area of Study: Digital Environments. Type of Study: Original Article.

Nancy Paola Ramírez Guzmán, María del Pilar Cueva Calva, Johana del Carmen Parreño Sánchez, Tatiana Tapia Bastidas

154-179

Adapted activities for mobility and inclusion in Physical education for students with visual impairments

Introduction. Including students with visual impairments in physical education requires offering different levels of support, developing adaptations, and having teachers trained to respond to the diversity of students. However, non-inclusive pedagogical practices persist, significantly impacting the mobility and inclusion of these students in Physical Education. Objective. To develop adapted activities aimed at improving the mobility and inclusion of a student with visual impairment in the Physical Education class. Methodology. The research was conducted in four stages and was located at the "Prócer José de Antepara" Educational Unit in the Los Ríos Province, Vinces Canton. The research adopted a qualitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional approach using a non-experimental design based on a case study. Theoretical and empirical methods and techniques such as observation and interview guides were used. The sample was non-probabilistic and purposive, focusing on a single case. The unit of analysis was a second-year student of Basic General Education, diagnosed with total blindness. Results. A set of adapted activities aimed at improving the mobility and inclusion of the student under study was developed, which was favorably validated by specialist criteria. Conclusions. The theoretical and practical foundations related to visual impairment and the importance of Physical Education as an ideal space for achieving an effective inclusion and participation process are systematized. Furthermore, the study provides a set of adapted activities aimed at stimulating the mobility and inclusion of students with visual impairments in Physical Education. This set is distinguished by its structure, adaptations, resources, and possible implementation methods, focusing on developmental axes such as mobility, autonomy, and social interaction. General area of study: Education. Specific area of study: Adapted Physical Education. Item type: Original.

Jaime Antonio Bustamante Martínez, Giceya De La Caridad Maqueira Caraballo

180-198

Burnout and job performance among staff at the Huancavilca savings and credit cooperative

Introduction: The present research work is framed in how the so-called Burnout syndrome affects the performance of the personnel who work in the Nueva Huancavilca cooperative, for this the problems that affect its functioning were determined, such as: the emotional and mental exhaustion that occurs due to the work stress that exists in the cooperative,  Staff feel exhausted, unmotivated, and have a negative attitude toward their coworkers. Objectives: Its main objective is to determine how Burnout syndrome affects the work performance of the staff working in the cooperative. Methodology: the methodology to be used for the collection of information was quantitative by applying surveys to the 62 workers of the entity, seeking answers to their problems to propose workable solutions to the current situation that the institution is going through. Results: The central dimensions of burnout such as depersonalization and emotional exhaustion are strongly related, with respect to Koopman's dimensions of work performance they are significantly interconnected. Conclusions: This research establishes comparisons between cases arising in other companies with the case of the cooperative, mentioning how the variables in each of the cases are related to each other. General study area: Administration. Specific study area: Human Talent Management. Item type: Original.

Gabriel Lucas Gómez

199-213

Proposal for improvement in production capacity in the liquid products area of the Siegfried Ecuador S.A. pharmaceutical plant

Introduction. Introduction. The production capacity in the liquid products area of the pharmaceutical plant is crucial as it ensures operational efficiency and the availability of products in the market. Objective. The objective of the research is to analyze production in the liquid products area of Siegfried Ecuador S.A. through the identification of critical factors and the implementation of continuous improvement tools. Methodology. The study focused on a mixed-methods approach with a non-experimental design and a descriptive scope. Methods used included analysis and synthesis, as well as inductive and deductive reasoning to systematize and analyze the production processes of liquid products at the Siegfried Ecuador S.A. plant. Descriptive methods were also applied for information analysis. Results. The research revealed that although Siegfried Ecuador S.A. maintains high production occupancy and compliance, monthly fluctuations and demand concentration in a few products—particularly in the BISMUTOL line—highlight key areas for improving operational efficiency. Conclusion. The analysis of production capacity in the liquid products area of Siegfried Ecuador S.A. shows a plant with an average occupancy rate of 95% and a production compliance rate of 89%, although monthly fluctuations point to operational challenges. General Area of Study: Business Administration. Specific area of study: Operations, Logistics, and Quality Management. Type of study: Original article.

Carlos Alberto Vera Villamar, Ruth Ximena Chang Serrano, Elia Natividad Cabrera Alvarez, Alejandro Reigosa Lara

214-230

Digital manual to enhance the educational use of PhET simulators in high school biology

Introduction: In the current context of educational digital transformation, virtual simulators have become key tools to promote the meaningful learning of complex content in subjects such as Biology. This research was conducted at the Don Bosco de La Tola Educational Unit in Quito, Ecuador. Objectives: The main objective is to determine the impact of the use of an interactive digital manual, developed in the Canva tool, which guides the pedagogical use of PhET simulators in the teaching of Biology to third-year high school students. Methodology: Under a mixed methodological approach, applied, descriptive and quasi-experimental, quantitative techniques (pre-test and post-test, Likert-type surveys) and qualitative techniques (semi-structured interviews and observation rubrics) were integrated, with a stratified random sample composed of an experimental group and a control group, in addition to the participation of a teacher in the validation process. Results: The results showed that 71.43% of the students had already used simulators, although their frequent use was limited; 82.14% considered that these resources contributed significantly to the learning of Biology. Likewise, technical barriers were identified in the use of simulators, which reinforces the need for complementary pedagogical materials and digital training. The manual was valued for its clarity, functionality, and didactic contribution, promoting the understanding of abstract phenomena and strengthening skills such as critical thinking and problem solving. Conclusions: In conclusion, this research not only validates the effectiveness of the use of simulators in educational environments but also offers a concrete and innovative proposal to improve the didactics of the subject through the effective integration of accessible digital technologies, adapted to the Ecuadorian school context. General Area of Study: Natural Sciences. Specific area of study: Biology. Type of study: Original article.

María Elena Alarcón Villares, Aylee Kimberly Bravo Wonsang, Omar Paul Segarra Figueroa, Kety Bernardes Carballo

231-249