Strengthening linguistic competence in language pedagogy: challenges and strategies

Abstract

Pedagogy students at the State University of Southern Manabí face the need to master both Spanish and English, highlighting the crucial importance of the former for effective communication in the educational environment. Globalization has increased the relevance of English as a second language, an evident trend in Latin America. Cultural diversity, considered enriching, poses challenges in language teaching, emphasizing the importance of communicative competence in the university setting. The research highlighted the lack of focus on developing language skills in the pedagogy curriculum, which threatens students' comprehensive preparation for the contemporary educational environment. This lack of focus can manifest, affecting future educators' ability to communicate, understand their students' needs, and adapt to changing contexts. The research objectives included identifying deficiencies in language preparation and recommending improvements to the program and educational practices. The methodology used combined qualitative and quantitative approaches, including surveys and data analysis, to obtain a comprehensive understanding and provide specific recommendations. The results highlighted the need to adjust the curriculum and institutional policies to strengthen the development of language skills, ensuring that future educators are well-prepared to meet the demands of their profession.