Impacto académico de los proyectos de vinculación en el desarrollo de competencias socioambientales en los estudiantes de Gestión Ambiental de la modalidad a distancia de la UTPL

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, the general objective was to explore the effectiveness of outreach projects in generating socio-environmental competencies of university students in the context of forest fire prevention, applying a quantitative, exploratory, descriptive and correlational methodology with a non-longitudinal experimental design. The sample consisted of 227 students enrolled in three academic periods from 2020 to 2022, in the Practicum 3 subject of distance learning. According to the data obtained, the participation of students in the outreach project on "Educating to prevent forest fires in Ecuador", in general, generated positive aspects in the development of socio-environmental competencies. After the project, a significant improvement is evident in each of the dimensions evaluated, knowledge and understanding of the problem; analytical and creative; communication and research skills; and personal and ethical development. Among the conclusions, it is highlighted that these projects not only complement theoretical learning with significant practical experiences, but also contribute to the comprehensive development of skills necessary to face current socio-environmental challenges.