B-learning methodology to strengthen the teaching process in cocoa cultivation for students of the Technical Baccalaureate

Abstract

Introduction: This research addresses the design and validation of a gamified blended learning methodology to strengthen the teaching and learning process of cacao cultivation among students in the Agricultural Technical Baccalaureate program. This approach addresses the limited articulation between theory and practice, traditional methodologies, and insufficient technological integration in agricultural technical training. Materials and methods: An applied study with a mixed-methods approach was conducted using an educational action research methodology. The quasi-experimental design (control and experimental groups) employed pretest-posttest measurements. The purposive sample included 18 students and 4 teachers. Results: The experimental group significantly improved its academic performance (pretest: 48.3 ± 8.7; posttest: 78.9 ± 7.4; p<0.001), surpassing the control group (pretest: 47.8 ± 9.1; posttest: 62.5 ± 10.2). Procedural skills showed significant differences favoring the experimental group in agronomic management (p=0.008), plant health (p=0.012), and post-harvest handling (p=0.016). Discussion: These findings align with studies demonstrating that blended learning enhances the integration of theory and practice and the development of skills in technical contexts, and that gamification acts as a motivational mediator that impacts academic performance. Qualitative analysis revealed that the methodology transformed teaching practices by facilitating continuous feedback and the parallel development of digital and technical skills. Conclusions: Gamified blended learning constitutes an effective, viable, and transferable teaching strategy for strengthening technical training in cacao cultivation, significantly improving academic performance, procedural skills, and student motivation. Longitudinal studies are recommended to evaluate the sustainability of its impact and its replication in other production contexts.