Rethinking Technical Pedagogy: Transformative learning at the “Francisco de Orellana” Higher Technological Institute

Abstract

Introduction: The research focuses on the design of teaching strategies to improve the quality of technical training provided by the Instituto Superior Tecnológico “Francisco de Orellana” (ITSFO) in Ecuador. Based on a diagnosis that reveals deficiencies in the pedagogical skills of teachers, which implies low levels of student satisfaction, a teaching development plan oriented to them is proposed, based on active teaching methodologies, such as learning through problems, integrative projects and dual study-work training, with the aim of strengthening the teaching skills of teachers and improving the quality of technical training of students, positively impacting their employability and the productive development of the region. Materials and methods: Mixed research methods were used, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect and analyze data from teachers and students. Results: The results of the research contribute to the continuous improvement of technical education at ITSFO, being a reference for other technical training institutions in the country. Discussion: The creation and implementation of a systematic plan to improve the teaching skills of technical teachers, according to each specialty and based on active teaching strategies, through problem solving, the development of applied research on technological innovation, and experimental practical laboratories, all of which would directly impact the optimization of the quality of the teaching and learning process, and therefore, the elevation of the quality of professional training provided by the educational institution to its students and to society in general. Conclusions: Despite the identified deficiencies, there is significant potential to improve educational quality at ITSFO, specifically in efforts to improve pedagogical training, the adoption of educational technologies and the implementation of active methodologies, which could radically transform the learning experience, ensuring high-quality technical training.