Análisis de competencias profesionales en estudiantes de Gestión Ambiental de la Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja durante los proyectos de vinculación con la sociedad

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this research is to analyze how community engagement projects contribute to the professional competencies of university students, using service-learning as a pedagogical tool. A descriptive quantitative study was conducted with the participation of 162 students from the Environmental Management program at the Technical University of Loja, enrolled in three academic cycles. A survey consisting of 15 questions grouped into five dimensions related to professional competencies acquired before and after participating in a community engagement project was applied. The results showed a significant improvement in all evaluated dimensions following the implementation of the project. However, it was observed that women consistently reported higher evaluations compared to men, both before and after the project. There were no significant differences among the three academic cycles after the project. In conclusion, service-learning is an integrative and equitable tool that bridges theory and practice, fostering the development of professional competencies in students and preparing them to address real socio-environmental challenges within the framework of sustainable development.