Desarrollo y Evaluación de una experiencia piloto de mentoría con estudiantes de primer ciclo de Educación Superior a Distancia, Centro Universitario Asociado de Quito-Carcelén, ciclo académico abril-agosto 2015

Abstract

The Particular Technical University of Loja (PTUL) with the aim of improving integration and adaptation of students enrolled in the first academic semester since they are entering to an unknown study system which is very different than the traditional educational system, has decided to implement a pilot mentoring plan which main purpose is to reduce the academic dropout rate and improve support to each of the new students. The objective of this research was to evaluate the integration and adaptation process, which was developed at the Regional University Center Quito Carcelen, in the period April to August 2015, involving seniors students of Psychology (mentors) and ten new students (mentees) in the same career. For this purpose, the method of participatory action research, exploratory and descriptive was used. The instruments applied were orientation needing questionnaires, interviews, learning skills questionnaire and assessment of study habits. The results showed that with the support for the mentee, the dropout rate is reduced, achieving a better adaptation process to the new learning environment, further self-control and self-discipline habits were developed in the mentees, better study strategies and optimal distribution time as well.