Revista Científica Avances en Ciencia y Docencia

Development and validation of a socioemotional competencies assessment tool for university students

Rosa María González Chamalé — Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: Determine the level of reliability of the instrument of socio-emotional competencies of university students. METHOD: Research was carried out within the framework of the positivist paradigm, with a quantitative approach, descriptive scope, and non-experimental design. A sample of 15 students enrolled in the 9th semester of supervised psychological practice during the 2024 academic cycle was used. RESULTS: The instrument was evaluated by experts in psychology, psychopedagogy, and education, who rated the items according to a five-point Likert scale. Where: Unacceptable=1, Poor=2, Regular=3, Good=4, Excellent=5. The following evaluation criteria were used: relevance, conceptual clarity, writing, and terminology. The content validity coefficient was calculated per item and overall. The result of the overall content validity coefficient is 0.94, which indicates high agreement between judges, and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.92, which indicates excellent reliability. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the validity of the instrument's items is highly satisfactory, as 94% of them were evaluated as good or excellent by the expert judges. Furthermore, the reliability analysis yielded a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.92, indicating a high level of internal consistency. Therefore, the instrument's design is considered reliable and suitable for research use.

Importance of the use of technological resources in higher education

Axel Hernaldo Aceituno Ramos — Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: Determine the level of importance of the implementation of technological resources in higher education. METHOD: The study was developed with a constructivist paradigm, using a qualitative methodology, with a phenomenological design; 35 university professors participated in the study, this being the sample used. RESULTS: 52% of those surveyed indicated that the main contribution of technological resources lies in the versatility of content, that is, in the various ways one can research, learn, and share about the same topic. Likewise, 57% of the teachers surveyed stated that virtual environments have frequently allowed them to achieve course objectives in a better way, 20% stated that most of the time and 23% indicated that very rarely. CONCLUSION: The importance of the use of technological resources makes it easier for the teacher to obtain various tools that promote the development of skills in students, in the same way it allows better access to the different contents, it offers greater facilities for students to be able to immerse themselves in the subject, through audiovisual content, text in various formats, platforms for expressing opinions, innovative spaces for teamwork, applications for developing ideas, for solving problems; spaces that will finally allow you to develop skills and achieve the proposed didactic objectives.

Teaching strategies in philosophy at a higher level

Lucía Aguilar Balsells — Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: To identify the most effective didactic strategies in the teaching of philosophy at a higher level. METHOD: A documentary research design, record sheets, and mapping method were used, complemented by the interview and survey technique applied to teachers who teach philosophy classes at three universities. This sample included a total of 28 professors surveyed and 9 interviewees. RESULTS: The most used teaching strategies are individualized strategies, collective strategies, and information processing, including dialogue, research, case studies, flipped classrooms, and the development of philosophical writing such as commentaries and essays. All strategies are complemented using new technologies, supported by audiovisual tools and the use of the virtual classroom, and are aimed at developing critical-reflective thinking that allows students to relate the theoretical sphere of the subject to their reality. CONCLUSION: The most conducive didactic strategies that allow achieving significant learning in the teaching of philosophy at a higher level are those selected by the teacher according to the needs of the course and the context of the student usually of an individual nature and that allow the development of research, reflection and dialogue skills, always starting from a philosophical questioning, the guidance of the teacher and feedback. Therefore, teachers are encouraged to innovate their practice by implementing strategies that are related to the method and resources and allow meaningful learning.

Application of the Ontosemiotic Approach in Linear Algebra: Modeling and Cryptography through Software Development

Juan Carlos Ruiz Castillo — Sun, 25 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: To apply the ontosemiotic approach to mathematical cognition and instruction to design a didactic proposal that integrates Linear Algebra content with technological tools, facilitating its understanding and functionality in Systems Engineering contexts. METHOD: A qualitative approach was adopted through a didactic intervention design based on the principles of the ontosemiotic approach. The proposal was implemented with a group of second-year university students in Systems Engineering, who participated in a didactic sequence structured in three phases: epistemic configuration, computational modeling, and cryptographic application. Data collection included student-produced work, performance records, metacognitive reflections, and analysis of the developed software. RESULTS: A significant improvement was observed in the functional understanding of mathematical objects such as matrices, determinants, linear transformations, and systems of equations. Students successfully integrated theoretical knowledge with computational applications by developing a program capable of solving algebraic problems and executing basic encryption processes. A fluent transition among symbolic, operational, and computational representations was evidenced, along with a meaningful reconfiguration of mathematical knowledge. CONCLUSION: The use of the ontosemiotic approach as a didactic guide fostered meaningful learning by linking theory and practice within a technologically relevant environment. The proposal proves to be replicable in other technological subjects requiring integration between abstract thinking and the functional application of mathematical knowledge.

Construct validation of factors affecting the choice of technical careers

Sandra Ninett Ramírez Flores — Sun, 25 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: To determine the content validity of an instrument developed to identify the factors that influence the low student preference for technical careers at the Instituto Tecnológico Universitario Guatemala Sur. METHOD: The expert judgment method based on Lawshe’s model was applied, involving five specialists in vocational guidance, technical education, and higher education. The instrument, composed of 20 items grouped into four categories (sociocultural perception, job and economic expectations, quality of vocational information, and personal and motivational factors), was evaluated by the experts. Each specialist assessed the relevance of the items, and based on these evaluations, the content validity index of each item was calculated, using a minimum acceptable threshold of 0.58. RESULTS: Out of the 20 items evaluated, 18 exceeded the minimum validity threshold (0.58), representing 90% agreement among the experts. Two items, related to media representation and future opportunities, did not meet the required level and are therefore recommended for revision. These findings support the relevance of the instrument for future data collection and highlight the usefulness of expert judgment as a preliminary validation technique. CONCLUSION: Most of the validated items were consistent with the proposed theoretical construct and may be retained in the final version of the instrument, pending additional empirical testing to reinforce their validity.

Teacher Evaluation Instruments and the Inclusion of Criteria for Measuring Digital Competencies

Victor Porfirio Roldán Muxín — Sun, 25 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: analyze the faculty evaluation instruments to identify the inclusion of criteria for measuring digital competencies at the Faculty of Pharmacy and the Southern University Center of the University of San Carlos. METHOD: a pragmatic paradigm was followed, employing a mixed-methods approach with an exploratory scope and a concurrent design; a survey and interviews were administered to a sample of 40 faculty members. RESULTS: 43.6% reported that the evaluation instruments are not aligned with international standards; 77.8% of the faculty consider it necessary to update them to better reflect the required digital competencies. The faculty expressed concern about the required data protection and lack proficiency in cybersecurity CONCLUSION: the analysis of faculty evaluation instruments revealed that, although there are criteria for assessing digital competencies, their inclusion is partial and, in many cases, outdated.

Maize and mycotoxins in the Ch’ortí’ region: a challenge to health and food sovereignty

Servio Darío Villela Morataya — Sun, 25 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: to determine the presence of mycotoxins in maize grains (Zea mays L.) produced and consumed by farming families in Jocotán, Camotán, and San Juan Ermita, located in the Ch’ortí’ region of Chiquimula. METHOD: a simple random sampling method was applied, using official records of staple grain producers. The sample size was calculated with a 95% confidence level and 10% margin of error, selecting 96 households. Each household provided three samples taken at different stages: harvest (tapisca), storage, and consumption, resulting in a total of 288 samples. Collection techniques included field transects, grain sampling in granaries, sacks, and trojas, and sampling of cooked maize. Laboratory analyses were performed to detect aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, and deoxynivalenol. Additionally, structured surveys were used to document post-harvest management, storage, and maize preparation practices. RESULTS: one hundred percent of the samples tested positive for at least one mycotoxin. In Jocotán, average levels were: aflatoxins 10.79 ppb, fumonisins 5.25 ppm, ochratoxin A 1.80 ppb, and deoxynivalenol 0.07 ppm. In Camotán: aflatoxins 2.68 ppb, fumonisins 2.17 ppm, ochratoxin A 0.57 ppb, and deoxynivalenol 0.05 ppm. San Juan Ermita showed the highest concentrations of fumonisins (9.88 ppm), ochratoxin A (2.34 ppb), and deoxynivalenol (0.12 ppm). Inadequate storage conditions—particularly the use of sacks without prior drying—were strongly associated with higher contamination levels. CONCLUSION: the widespread presence of mycotoxins in maize consumed by rural households in the Ch’ortí’ region poses a direct threat to public health and food security. The high levels found, especially during storage, underscore the urgent need to strengthen local capacities in post-harvest handling and to establish community-based monitoring systems that reduce risks and preserve territorial food sovereignty.

Role of national institutions and international organizations in food security in the department of Chiquimula.

Mayleen Iveth Landaverry Ponce — Sun, 25 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: The role of national and international institutions in the food security problem in Chiquimula was defined. METHOD: A descriptive and quantitative approach was used through interviews with closed questions to measure the contribution of institutional actions, as well as a documentary analysis of implemented government policies and cooperation projects, to identify executed strategies and existing barriers. To collect information, a non-probabilistic convenience sample of government institutions, international organizations that address the problem, and aimed at institutional leaders. RESULTS: Food security in Chiquimula is complex, causing effects in different spheres of society, and must be addressed through efforts between national and international institutions and the participation of civil society, with a redefinition of a needs-oriented approach to contribute to building capacities that strengthen the population. National institutions play a key role in the implementation of public policies and projects. At the international level, each organization joins the Guatemalan government's efforts to address the problem in the department by providing technical and financial support, as well as inclusive and sustainable policies. CONCLUSION: The problem is a challenge and a result of the country's structural deficiencies. It cannot be solved solely through food distribution; it must be addressed based on causal factors. Therefore, national and international organizations must continue their efforts to address the problem of malnutrition in the department.

Construction of social class discourse in Facebook and Instagram in three privates schools of Quetzaltenango

Luis Enrique Morales Rubio — Sun, 25 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: To determine how private schools construct, through their social media discourse, class distinctions that reproduce social, symbolic, and cultural hierarchies in the educational field, using the theoretical framework of Pierre Bourdieu's cultural and symbolic capital. METHOD: Interpretive research with a qualitative approach and descriptive scope. A critical discourse analysis (CDA) was conducted on social media posts from three institutions. The sample included visual and textual content published during a defined period, examining discursive strategies and visual rhetoric. RESULTS: Three discursive patterns were identified: 1) Techno-elitism at Colegio 1, emphasizing digital infrastructure and individual achievement; 2) Catholic traditionalism at Colegio 2, focusing on moral values; and 3) Nationalist-military pedagogy with evangelical values at Colegio 3. The publications naturalize educational hierarchies through curated images of facilities, selective coverage of events, and value-based narratives. The contrast between technological access (e.g., tablets) and historical prestige (e.g., the centenary of Colegio 3) is highlighted. CONCLUSION: Digital discourses reinforce symbolic class boundaries, operating as cultural and symbolic capital in algorithmic environments. The study contributes to understanding the digital formation of elites, where platforms amplify educational and social inequalities.

The Bifurcation of Consciousness in the Face of Pain: An Integrative Model of Self-Deception, Suffering and Transformation

Juan Francisco Calvillo Taracena — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

OBJECTIVE: To propose a process model that explains how consciousness responds to emotional pain, integrating the contributions of Daniel Goleman, Eckhart Tolle, and EMDR therapy. METHOD: Theoretical analysis and conceptual construction based on the integration of psychological, neurobiological, and spiritual approaches to pain processing. RESULTS: The Bifurcation Model of Consciousness in the Face of Pain is presented, structured in three stages: the emergence of pain, the bifurcation of consciousness, and the direction toward emotional integration or distortion. CONCLUSION: The model offers insight into how the level of metacognition determines whether psychic pain becomes growth or repetitive suffering, providing a useful framework for psychotherapy, emotional education, and personal development.