Main challenges of curricular design in engineering: the case of the Bolivarian University of Ecuador (#1269)

Authors

Martinez Perez, Odette

Cardenas Dominguez, Tamara

Bodero Arizaga, Lorena Del Carmen

Reigosa Lara, Alejandro

Alzate Peralta, Luis Alberto

Abstract

The increase in demand for engineering professionals has promoted an innovative, practical and technological curricular design at the Bolivarian University of Ecuador (UBE). This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of said curriculum in engineering degrees at the UBE. To achieve this, a mixed research approach was used that combines quantitative and qualitative methods, allowing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges in this university context. Surveys and interviews were applied to students, teachers and employers to evaluate the perception of the quality of the curriculum and its alignment with the demands of the labor market. The results indicate that the study program responds to current needs, integrating the updating of content, the development of practical skills and the connection with the professional environment. The proposed model promotes technical and transversal skills through a theoretical-practical and active pedagogical approach, in which students play a central role in their learning.